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SIGURD 



SIGURD 



A POEM 

By 

ARTHUR PETERSON 



Printed for the author by 
GEORGE W. JACOBS & CO. 

PHILADELPHIA 






Copyright, 1910, by 
ARTHUR PETERSON 



©GLA2?i294 



Note 

THE story of Sigurd, or Siegfried (of whiqjp^^ 
the best-known versions are probably the 
old Nibelungenlied, and Wagner's famous 
tetralogy Der Ring des Nibelungen), has been told 
by so many people, and in such a variety of ways, 
that no excuse is offered by the writer for adding one 
more variation to the collection. In the following 
poem the hero is depicted as a young Norse rover, a 
wanderer not only by land but by sea, this latter in- 
novation seeming to lend itself quite naturally to the 
established legend. The action is supposed to take 
place about the middle of the fifth century, that 
eventful period which may be said to mark the end 
of the ancient, and the beginning of the modern, 
world. 

' The story of Sigurd, like most legendary stories, 
was probably based upon an actual historic occur- 
rence; but when, where, or by whom the tale was 
first put together no one knows. It is found in the 
literature of all the Germanic peoples ; and it was an 
especial favorite among the Norse races who, after 
the withdrawal of the Roman garrisons, settled in 
such preponderating numbers in Britain. It is nat- 
ural, therefore, that it should be popular among the 

5 



6 NOTE 

descendants of those races — the English-speaking 
peoples of to-day. 

The best blood of Norway, Sweden and Denmark 
(or what is commonly known as Scandinavia), seems 
to have passed over into the British Isles during the 
long period of colonization (about 600 years) between 
the fifth and the eleventh centuries ; not only by 
direct migration and settlement, but by the indirect 
route of Normandy ; for William the Conqueror and 
his Normans, though they had French names, were 
probably in lineage at least half Norse. By the best 
blood I mean not so much the best conducted and 
most peaceable persons, as the most energetic, ag- 
gressive, daring and adventurous. And there is lit- 
tle doubt that it is to the descendants of these restless, 
seafaring spirits that Great Britain owes her cen- 
turies of maritime supremacy and over-sea coloniza- 
tion. The English adventurers of the sixteenth and 
eighteenth centuries were but repeating, on a larger 
scale, the exploits of their ancestors of a thousand 
years before ; and the long line of ocean-heroes, in 
which Drake and Nelson are perhaps the most con- 
spicuous figures, had its beginning in the bold Norse 
rovers who, while England was yet in the making, 
sailed forth upon " the swan's road." This idea is 
touched upon in the chapter entitled " Erda's 
Prophecy." 

The Burgundians, with whom the fortunes of Sigurd 
become so closely connected, and among whom he 



NOTE 7 

finally meets his death, were a Teutonic people whose 
former home had been the country between the Oder 
and the Vistula. They migrated toward the west 
and south, and at the time of our story were settled 
in the valley of the upper Rhine, in the neighborhood 
of Worms. The Burgundians afterward passed over 
into Gaul, and the territory occupied by them ulti- 
mately became part of the celebrated Duchy of 
Burgundy. 

The Latin form Scandia has been used throughout 
the poem in preference to the commoner word Scan- 
dinavia, it being better suited to metrical compo- 
sition. 



Contents 





Prelude 






• 


11 


I. 


Gudrun's Dream . 








13 


XL 


The Coming of Sigurd . 








16 


III. 


The Banquet (Including 


Sig 


urd's Narra- 






tive) .... 








23 


IV. 


The Tournament 








78 


V. 


Sigurd and Gudrun 








86 


VI. 


In the Odenwald 








94 


VII. 


The Valkyr . 








99 


VIII. 


Sigurd and Gunter 








no 


IX. 


Yule-tide at the Court 


OF 


King Gun- 






ter (Including the Song 


of Olaf 


the 






Red) .... 




• 




114 


X. 


In the Garden 




• 




. 139 


XI. 


Gunter's Soliloquy 




: 




■ 145 


XII. 


Hagen and Giselher 




• 




. 147 


XIII. 


Hagen's Soliloquy 




• 




. 152 


XIV. 


Erda's Prophecy . 




• • 




. 154 


XV. 


The Death of Sigurd . 




. 




. 164 


XVI. 


Beside the Rhine . 




• • 




. 178 



PRELUDE 

I 
Sigurd I sing, a son of that dark north, 
Of that wild Scandian mother-land whence sprang 
The sea-tost hosts who, in that long ago, 
The bases of imperial England laid : — 
Such as were they, he was — one of that race 
Which ever loved to ride the restless waves, 
Or in gray Scandia, its ancestral home. 
Dwelling, or in the Isles of Britain, where 
Later it throve : men with the eagle's heart, 
Storm-nurtured, calm amid the swirling seas, 
Wanderers upon the deep until this day. 
Sigurd — his birth, his life, his death, I sing. 

II 
And Thou, O Muse, without whose aid divine 
My lips, however willing, must be mute. 
Thee I beseech my numbers to inspire. 
Come Goddess now : I reverently attend. 



II 



I 

GUDRUN'S DREAM 

I 
The fair Gudrun, in her bower beside the Rhine, 
On three successive nights had dreamed a dream, 
Piteous, distressful ; and to Ursula, 
Her mother, good King Dancrat's widowed queen, 
She thus, with tears, unburdened her full heart. 

II 
" Dear mother, whilst I slept within my bower, 
On three successive nights to me hath come 
A dream whereof the meaning I know not. 
Piteous, distressful ; for methought I loved 
A white gyrfalcon, more than aught else seemed. 
In the whole world, this gallant bird to me, 
With eyes so bright, and plumage like the snow. 
He from his home in the far north had flown 
Southward to Burgundy ; I myself had tamed 
His wandering spirit, and upon my hand 
Content he sat whene'er I rode afield, 

13 



14 SIGURD 

What time the hern we hunted with our hawks. 

But one thrice-sorrowful day, as into air 

Swiftly he rose, sighting his quarry, lo 1 

Two eagles fierce, wheeling from out the hills 

In circles vast, inexorable, grim, 

Beset and slew him ; and methought my grief 

Was like the grief of her who loses all — 

Or what seems all when Death hath struck his blow- 

The wife her husband or the mother her child." 

Ill 
Then spoke Queen Ursula : solicitude 
Dwelt in her voice, disquiet in her mien : 
" Oft in our dreams the future lives, and thus, 
My daughter, do I read thy vision wild. 
Perchance I read it wrong ; but, as thou know'st. 
At Yule-tide was I born, the seventh child 
Of seventh child, and second-sight is mine — 
A power clairvoyant granted by the gods. 
This, then, the interpretation of thy dream : 
The white gyrfalcon is a noble youth 
Whom thou wilt learn to love with all thy soul. 
The eagles fierce two cruel warriors are 
Whose spears shall slay thy lord. Alas, Gudrun ! 
Methinks that by the hand of Skuld herself, 



GUDRUN'S DREAM 15 

Who sits beside the ash-tree Ygdrasil 

Gazing upon the future, was dispatched 

This vision, in whose happenings I discern 

The dread announcement of a deed to come. 

Ruth hath my mother's heart for thee, Gudrun ; 

Thy falcon falls before the eagles twain. 

O woeful hour ! As swift-descending storm 

Darkens the day, so shall this murder foul 

Becloud the sunny springtime of thy life. 

Thy lord lies still in death. So speak the Norns ! " 

IV 
Thus Ursula : and by her mother's words 
O'ercome, upon an ancient couch near by, 
Like broken lily, sank the fair Gudrun. 



II 

THE COMING OF SIGURD 

I 

Gunter, the king of the Burgundians, gave 

A mighty feast, to celebrate that day, 

Seven years before, whereon his reign began. 

For when his father, old King Dancrat, died. 

Leaving, besides a widowed queen, three sons, 

Gunter and Giselher and Gemot bold. 

And one fair maid, the flower of the land, Gudrun, 

Gunter, the eldest, was proclaimed the king. 

And throve his kingdom. For a respite brief 

From battle left men time for kindlier deeds. 

And woods were felled ; and fields of waving grain 

Covered the land ; and towns sprang up anew ; 

And trade with Rome, increasing, filled the realm 

With Roman gold, and brought to wondering eyes 

The silks and jewels of the mystic East. 

So in his palace by the Rhine, where dwelt 

A Roman pretor once, King Gunter bade 

Prepare this banquet, to commemorate 

The day his hand first grasped the helm of state. 

i6 



THE COMING OF SIGURD 17 

II 
That time in summer was it when the days 
Longest and loveliest are, when leafy June 
Mantles the earth, and Gunter's capital 
(Called by the Romans Borbetomagus, 
And by the men of later centuries Worms) 
Sat, like a beauteous bride, beside the Rhine. 

Ill 
Now on the morning of the festive day, 
While yet the summer sun was low in the east. 
Appeared far down the Rhine, but moving up 
Against the stream, their sails filled by the breeze. 
Three galleys. Them a watchman from his tower 
Descried, and to King Gunter brought the word. 
Whence came they no man knew. And now the wind 
Carries them nearer, and the morning sun 
Blazons each carven, golden-headed prow, 
And gaily-broidered sail. And lo ! within, 
Sitting upon the rowers' benches some, 
And others grouped on forecastle and poop, 
The bold and brawny crews of mail-clad men. 
Sons of the ocean, with their red shields hung 
Outboard along the gunwales. And to eyes 
That watched the scene the foremost galley looked 



i8 SIGURD 

A mighty dragon, breasting Rhifie's broad flood. 

For her high-arching prow was shaped and carved 

Like dragon's front, with gilded crest upreared 

Above the wave ; and all along each side 

The warriors' shields like dragon's scales appeared ; 

And, looking aft, the high and curling stern 

Ended a dragon's gilded tail in air. 

And of her sister ships a great wolf's head 

Carved out of wood, with grim wide-open jaws, 

One bore upon her bow, the other a bear's, 

Both fancifully gilded. In this wise, 

A gallant sight, were built these galleys three. 

IV 
Then said King Gunter : " Let my men-at-arms 
Be ready, but no hostile act disclose. 
Or friend or foe I know not, but methinks 
Peace and not war is in the stranger's heart." 

V 
Now toward the river's bank each galley turns, 
And soon the sails are lowered, and in a cove 
Near by the vessels rest ; and from the side 
Of one, the largest galley of the three. 
Whose prow a gilded dragon's front displayed. 
Is thrown a gangplank to the river shore ; 



THE COMING OF SIGURD 19 

And over this, forthwith, a figure steps — 

Tall — straight — with winged helm and byrnie 

bright — 
And after him a score of viking forms, 
With spear in hand and shield on arm, and toward 
The palace of the king all take their way. 

VI 
Now when the strangers to that spot had come 
Where Gunter stood, flanked by his men-at-arms, 
They halted, and one lifted high in air 
A snow-white shield, as if to signal Peace. 
And he who seemed the leader — by his dress, 
And face and noble bearing — left his men. 
And toward King Gunter slowly strode alone. 
And Gunter, reading in the stranger's mien 
A brother ruler — whether great or small 
He knew not, still a leader among men — 
Stepped likewise from his soldiery apart. 
And toward that other slowly strode alone. 
And in mid-field the two, unguarded, met. 

VII 
Spoke then the stranger, courteous his salute ; 
** Art thou King Gunter, ruler of this realm ? " 
And Gunter answered : ** Aye." That other then : 



20 SIGURD 

" My name fe Sigurd, from that far northland, 

Scandia yclept by men of Roman tongue, 

I come, with these three galleys which thou seest 

In yonder cove, and mariners six score ; 

All hardy Norsemen, nurtured by the sea, 

Rough foster-mother, from their earliest days. 

Wanderers are we, our ships our homes, our trade 

To pull the oar, to steer, to set the sail. 

And, when occasion calls, to draw the sword. 

For like the eagle's are our lives, O King ! 

But not in quest of booty do I come 

To-day, nor on adventures warlike cruise, 

But rather to fulfil a project dear. 

Born of the wandering instinct in my heart, 

And grown now to a purpose of my life 

O'ermastering : — To behold, ere youth and strength 

Depart, and old age mark me for the grave, 

The mighty world ; to see with mine own eyes 

Rome, and the wondrous East, and what beyond 

Lies, if in truth there lies a land beyond, 

Or holy Asgard, as our sagas teach. 

And up this noble river have I sailed 

These many days, and feasted on its charms, 

Pursuant to this purpose of my heart. 

Friends are we then, O King, and friendship crave 



THE COMING OF SIGURD 21 

From thee. But if some wild adventure wait, 

Or thou hast present need of gallant men 

For war, which oft comes when expected least, 

Command my sword. These be all vikings bold, 

Stout sea-dogs every one, who know not fear. 

But love to breast the buffets of the storm 

When blows the dark northeaster o'er the wave ; 

And love still more, while valkyrs o'er them fly. 

To front the battle's furious stress ; to hear 

The battle's music ; — the clash of sword against sword, 

The shock of axe on helm, the pit-a-pat 

Of the arrows' hail upon the shield. True sons 

Of Odin and of Thor be these, O King ; 

And what I bid them do they'll do — or die." 

VIII 
He ceased, and Gunter thus to him replied 
" Welcome, brave knight, to the Burgundian land ! 
No wars have I at present, though a bold 
Adventure long hath occupied my dreams, 
(Of which hereafter will I speak to thee) 
Wherein thy eager spirit, and the skill 
Of these stout mariners would aid me much. 
But for to-day let's have no more of war. 
But wassail only. In the banquet hall 



22 SIGURD 

Of yonder palace is a feast prepared. 

Be thou my guest, brave knight. And as for these, 

Thy merry men, they're welcome one and all. 

And to their comrades, who in yonder cove 

Remain, on board thy sea-tost ships, I'll send 

Cattle and sheep and ale and whate'er else 

Is found upon the tables in the hall. 

That all may join in our festivities. 

For on this day, seven years ago, my reign 

Began ; and I to-day would celebrate 

Fitly, and as becomes a king, the event." 

IX 
He ceased : the two clasped hands : and Sigurd thus, 
With all his men, became King Gunter's guests. 



Ill 

THE BANQUET 

(Including Sigurd's Narrative) 
I 

The feast is on in Gunter's banquet hall, 

And up and down the vast interior 

(A parallelogram in shape, whose length 

Extends three times its breadth) reigns, everywhere, 

The merry wassail of the olden time. 

II 
Upraised upon a dais, at one end 
Of the great hall, the table of the king 
Athwart-ships ran, stretching from side to side. 
Here sat, apart from the wild feast below. 
Yet of it ; seeing all, by all beheld ; 
Gunter, his household and his guests of rank : — 
Ursula, his mother, the queen dowager ; 
The fair Gudrun, his sister golden-haired. 
And many a lovely damsel of the bower ; 
Gemot and Giselher, his brothers twain ; 
Hagen, the captain of his men-at-arms ; 

23 



24 SIGURD 

And others, kin or in authority : 

And here, the guest of honor, seen of all, 

Upon the king's right hand Earl Sigurd sat. 

Ill 
Beginning at the dais' central step. 
Set at right angles to the royal board, 
A mighty table ran the whole hall's length, 
(Ran fore-and-aft, to use a sailor's phrase) 
And here were Gunter's men-at-arms, and here — 
Each one between two spearmen, that the guest 
Might want for nothing — Sigurd's vikings sat. 

IV 
And lackeys, low beneath their heavy loads 
Bending, brought in the wild boar barbequed, 
And quarter-beeves, and giant platters filled 
With flesh of deer and sheep, and sucking pigs 
Tender and savory, and great loaves of bread. 
And wild-fowl grilled and served on wooden spits. 
And huge squab-pies, and fish from out the Rhine, 
And fruit and honey from Burgundian farms. 
And round and round the mighty drinking-horns 
Passed with the nut-brown ale or sparkling mead. 
Passed, with their precious freight, from lip to lip. 



THE BANQUET 25 

Ever to be replenished and repass, 

Filled from great casks within the cellar stored. 

And Norseman and Burgundian drank " Was-hael " 

Each to the other, and ere the bearded lips 

Were dry, " Skoel to the viking," and again 

" Prosit," and mellow friendship ruled the hour, 

For Bacchus doth make brothers of us all. 

And ever and anon the harpers sang 

Their songs of battle, and the loud applause 

Of hands and voice the approbation marked 

Of warriors who themselves had fought the fight. 

Sailors their yarns did spin, and soldiers too, 

Each vying with the other, and merrily wagged 

The yellow beards as in Valhalla, when 

With Odin and with Thor the heroes feast. 

And fiercer harped the scald, and louder rose 

The laughter and the Bacchanalian song, 

Till revel inextinguishable filled 

The spacious hall, while waxed the summer night 

To midnight, and then waned into the dawn. 

V 

Meanwhile, upon the dais, gentler scenes 

Were passing ; gentler themes engaged the tongue ; 

As ever must it be when ladies sit 



26 SIGURD 

Brave knights among, and lend to banquet hall 
The sweet restraint of their companionship. 
And when the meats were ended, and the sweets 
Circled the board, and gay contentment reigned, 
King Gunter bade his foremost serving-man 
Each golden goblet fill with Roman wine, 
And then, toward Sigurd looking, slowly spoke : 

VI 

" On this, the anniversary of that day, 

Seven years ago, whereon my reign began, 

A noble guest, from the far distant north. 

By gales auspicious wafted to these shores, 

Sits with us at our banquet table. Him 

My heart doth much delight to honor. Him 

I ask you all to welcome as my friend. 

Fierce battles hath he fought, weird perils faced — 

Faced and o'ercome. And if, to-night, perchance, 

Patience he hath to tell us of his life. 

And all its strange adventures manifold. 

An audience willing hath he at this board. 

But if the toils of travel him have left 

Wearied, and for long speech yet disinclined, 

Some other time, more opportune, we'll hope 

His wanderer's tale to hear. Meanwhile a cup 



THE BANQUET 27 

Of good red wine (wine by my grandsire brought 

From mighty Rome, made on the rocky hills 

Of fair Chianti, precious beyond compare) 

Let's drink with him — a pledge of friendship true — 

Trusting that long our honored guest he'll be. 

Was-hael, Earl Sigurd ! Gunter thee salutes, 

And welcomes thee to Burgundy ! Was-hael ! " 

VII 

So speaking, to his bearded lips he raised 
The golden cup, studded with precious stones. 
Which stood beside his plate — now to the brim 
Filled with the rosy wine of Italy. 
And all who round the royal table sat. 
Fair women and brave men, with one accord. 
Joined in the monarch's greeting to his guest, 
Crying " Was-hael ! Earl Sigurd 1 " while in cups 
Of rosy wine friendship to him they pledged. 

VIII 
Then Sigurd, rising to his feet, thus spoke : 
" King Gunter, ladies, knights — for these kind words, 
This royal welcome, let me thank you all. 
Friends may I call you, for I feel that friends 
We are and shall be. Little did I think, 
This summer morn, as up yon noble stream 



28 SIGURD 

I steered, with vessels three, on wanderings bent, 

That I such courteous words, such Icindly hearts, 

Such regal hospitality should meet. 

Surely no ladies fairer, knights more brave, 

Walk the green earth than those of Burgundy. 

Surely no land — not even my northland — spreads 

More beautiful beneath its azure skies 

Than Burgundy. Surely no country boasts 

A nobler king than thou art, Gunter, King 

Of the Burgundians. And since thou, to-night. 

Hast honored me by asking of my life. 

Its wild beginnings and adventures weird, 

Right gladly will I speak, and briefly tell 

My tale. But first to thee and to thy house 

Friendship and fealty, in this good red wine, 

I fain would pledge. And may the gracious bond 

Never be broken, wheresoe'er I roam ! " 

IX 
He lifted high in air his golden cup 
And cried " The King ! " And thereupon uprose 
All that bright company of knights, and stood 
With golden goblets lifted high in air. 
And cried " The King ! " And dames and damsels 
fair 



THE BANQUET 29 

Echoed, with voices sweet, the loyal toast, 
Crying " The King ! " And o'er the oaken board 
The golden goblets, thus upheld in air. 
Each near the other, formed a bright ellipse, 
A glittering aureole crowning the fair feast. 
Beautiful was the scene ! And when the toast 
In good Chianti had been drunk, and the knights 
Once more had ta'en their seats, and silence fell, 
Sigurd began the story of his life. 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 

I 
In the far northland was I born, O king 1 
That land of the long winter night ! That land 
Where scarce sets the midsummer sun ! That land 
Of mountains and blue water, where the fiords 
Of ocean with the forests intertwine. 
Sigmund my father, and my mother sweet 
Siglinda. In Valhalla rest their souls. 

II 

A noble king my father, Sigmund, was ; 
Bright, puissant, the brave son of a great sire — 
Volsung, a name renowned throughout the north. 
But e'en the bravest, when his hour hath come, 
Must die, for who can strive against the Norns ; 
And by the hand of Hunding, son of Raud, 
A king cold-hearted, evil-minded, base. 
Was slain my father. So the grisly night. 
Suddenly swooping, doth blot out the sun. 
And by the hands of Hunding's warriors fell 

30 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 31 

All but a remnant of my father's men — 
True-hearted vikings, but the fight was vain. 
And harried was the land, and cruel spears 
Reddened with innocent blood the mountain stream, 
And flames devoured the hamlet, and afar 
To other countries fled those who escaped, 
Till in my father's land, at last, there seemed 
Naught living but the vulture and the wolf. 

Ill 
Now deep within the forest hidden — so deep 
That Hunding's spears ne'er found his habitat — 
There dwelt an aged man, Regin by name. 
Him oft my father's hand had guarded, him 
My mother had befriended oft. A smith 
Wondrous was he ; and swords and spears and 

shields, 
And byrnies bright, and battle-axes keen, 
He fashioned ; and my father prized his skill 
Above that of all other smiths, and praised 
The strength and beauty of his handiwork. 
Ancient he was, none knew his years, no kin 
He seemed to have ; but rumor said his race 
Was long extinct, he only had survived. 
Carrying his knowledge down the centuries. 



32 SIGURD 

A creature of a different age he seemed, 

Belonging to the long-forgotten Past. 

Him did my mother, in that bitter hour 

When Hunding's hate had robbed her of her lord, 

Remember ; (as the hunted deer recalls 

A refuge) and to his wild forest forge, 

With me, a boy of scarce seven years, she fled. 

And thither faithful henchmen brought, by night. 

My father's body and his broken sword — 

Gram, whom the hand of Odin once had grasped. 

And for a little space my mother lived. 

But as some gentle plant, to alien soil 

Transferred, droops slowly to its death, so drooped 

My mother, and did slowly waste away ; 

Till came a time when her the woodland wild 

Beheld no more, and in that world above 

Her gentle spirit did rejoin its mate. 

IV 
And Regin took the boy, myself, and taught — 
Or strove to teach — his crescent spirit all 
The secrets of the smith's time-honored craft. 
How from the primal ore to summon forth — 
Led by his master-hand through changing shapes — 
Those objects bright and beautiful and strong 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 33 

Born of the hammer and the anvil. How 

To forge the spear's head and the arrow's point, 

To fabricate the hauberk and the helm, 

To temper the bright sword, of weapons king, 

Till like Thor's lightning-bolt, swift, terrible, 

'Twould cleave its way, unchecked, through stoutest 

steel. 
And how to fashion from the ruddy gold 
Rings, torques and bracelets, also did he teach ; 
And drinking-cups, o'erspread with lucky runes 
And likewise me the lore of Greece and Rome 
He taught, and how to read the starry heavens. 
And in the art of scald and saga-man 
Instructed me, for many things he knew. 
Aye, all the wisdom of the world seemed his. 
And these I loved, for somewhat of the bard 
Doth dwell within me, and my hand can strike 
Deftly the harp when me the spirit moves. 
But I the smithy's smoky air loved not. 
Rather the green-leafed forest and the chase, 
Or ocean, and the long lift of the wave. 
My part to wield the sword and boar-spear, not 
To make them. For each spirit hath its work, 
And in that work delights, whate'er it be. 
And doing other, joy becomes dull toil. 



34 SIGURD 

And Regin, though the same, from day to day, 
His smithy-task he taught me, read my heart. 
And knew it loved the forest, not the forge, 
And hungered for adventure, not to pass 
A sooty Hfetime by the smithy fire. 
But pleased he seemed with his wild pupil's bent 
Rather than disappointed, and one morn, 
Standing beside his anvil, thus he spoke. 

V 
*' Little use it is to teach King Sigmund's son 
The secrets of the patient craftsman's art. 
As well try to instruct the lion's whelp 
In all the busy beaver's wondrous ways. 
Or ancient lore of the laborious ant. 
Willing thou art, my lad, but thou wast made 
For other things : — to handle men, not tools ; 
To battle for thy people, and to rule 
Justly thy realm. For every age hath need 
Of such as thou — fearless and strong and true. 
In thee thy sire and grandsire live again. 
Take thou the sword, therefore, mine ancient hands 
Shall forge thee, and go forth into the world : 
Thy father's sword, Gram, which in that last fight 
Did Odin, for some unknown reason, break. 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 35 

His hand, not Hunding's, 'twas which struck the 

blow, 
For Gram by mortal man was never riven. 
But not for us it is, with human minds. 
To question the high wisdom of the gods. 
The sword he gave, that sword he took away, 
And now to thee it goes. So speak the Norns. 
Pray sit thee down, that I may tell the tale. 

VI 
" A noble hall thy grandsire, Volsung, built, 
Oblong in shape, with great doors at each end. 
And fitted up within with tables long 
And benches stout, whereat his merry men 
Wassailed, while on the wall the glittering shield 
Hung idle, flanked by battle-axe and spear. 
And in the middle of this banquet hall 
An oak-tree, vast and venerable, grew — 
Branstock his ancient name — whose towering trunk 
Soared through the roof, and in the outer air 
Bloomed with a myriad branches. Now one night, 
When lighted were the fires in the great hall — 
For winter time it was — and wagged the beards 
Merrily, and the horns of nut-brown ale 
Circled the board, there strode into the hall 



36 SIGURD 

A stranger with a drawn sword in his hand. 

One-eyed he was and huge, a great slouched hat 

Betopped his golden locks, and a blue cloak 

Covered his shoulders. Not of earth he seemed, 

But mystic, superhuman. Such his mien 

None dared accost him. Odin 'twas in truth. 

Through the great hall, and toward the old oak-tree 

Swiftly he strode ; then, for a moment, stopped, 

And into Branstock plunged his glittering blade. 

Up to its hilt in the great trunk it sank. 

Then Odin spoke : ' Whoso from out this stock 

Shall draw this sword, to him it shall belong ; 

A gift from me. No better weapon lives 

'Twixt earth and heaven. Gram have I named it — 

Gram 
The Wrath.' So saying, from out the banquet hall, 
Huge, mystical, he passed ; and in the night 
Vanished, and for a moment none dared move 
Or speak, but all like statues dumb remained, 
Awed by this presence from another world. 
Then spoke, at last, thy grandsire, Volsung, thus : 

VII 
" ' Honored am I that to my banquet hall 
Hath come, this night, Odin, of gods the chief. 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 37 

And honored will that puissant warrior be 
Who from old Branstock draws the glittering steel. 
Fain I, myself, at once, would clutch yon hilt 
And make the attempt, but courtesy forbids ; 
And to my guests, in the order of their rank, 
First will the trial be given. Earl Sigger, thou 
Lead off, and Heaven accord thee just success.' 

VIII 
" He ceased, and Sigger rose — a grim-faced earl 
Of forty winters — and with brawny hands 
Grasped the bright hilt. With might and main he 

strove. 
While from his sea-tanned forehead broke the sweat 
Of fierce endeavor, but never budged the sword. 
And then stalked forth, one after another, men 
Famous of eld, lords of the land, and clutched, 
In turn, that hilt, and to dislodge the blade 
Strove, but in vain, till at the last remained 
No guest without his trial. Then Volsung spoke : 

IX 
" ' Methinks the opportunity to me 
Fairly hath come, but ere I set my hand 
To draw from out his oaken scabbard Gram, 



38 SIGURD 

I would that Sigmund first, my eldest son, 
Essay the deed. Eager he is, I know : 
Stout-hearted, and of strength beyond his years. 
Perchance the youth may win where men have failed.' 

X 

" At this thy father, then a lissome lad 

Of twenty, tall and golden-haired, stepped forth 

And, grasping in his hands the bright hilt, drew, 

As easily as from out a limpid pool, 

The sword of Odin from the old oak-tree. 

XI 
" Amazement reigned and awe and, in some breasts, 
Black envy, which doth ever dog success. 
But Volsung proudly smiled upon the boy, 
And, in a voice affectionate, thus spoke : 

XII 
" ' Honored art thou, my lad, above all men ! 
Bright doth the future lie before thee ! Who 
Thee can resist, with Gram within thy hand ? 
Aye, well beloved of the immortal gods 
Art thou, Sigmund, my son. Mind that thy life 
Keep to high levels, like the eagle's flight ; 
Worthy of him whose favor thou hast won.' 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 39 

XIII 
" Thereafter did thy father wear the sword 
Ever upon him, and in many a fierce 
Battle its magic virtues proved ; and ne'er 
Did Gram once fail him till that fatal hour 
When Odin, for some unknown reason, broke 
The brand, and laid thy father low in death, 
And unto hateful Hunding gave the fight. 

XIV 

" But I the mystic shards have kept, and now 
For thee, with Odin's help, will I re-forge 
Gram, that the son may emulate the sire. 
And thou mayst have a blade meet for thy need." 

XV 

So Regin took the shards of Gram, and forged 
From them a sword e'en like the first, with hilt 
Golden, and mystic runes upon the blade. 
And when he bore it from the forge — ere yet 
The hilt was fitted and the runes engraved — 
Fire seemed to play about its tempered edge 
Like lightnings. And I grasped the sword and cried : 
" Now, Master, will we prove our weapon 1 " With 
that 



40 SIGURD 

I smote the smithy anvil, and the sword 
Clove through the iron block down to the stock, 
And on the floor the anvil, cut in twain. 
Rolled heavily, but not broken was the sword 
Nor dented, and I cried, " So far, so good ! " 
And thereupon we went, Regin and I, 
Out to a mountain stream, and Regin cast 
A lock of lamb's wool up against the stream, 
And when it floated down upon the sword, 
'Twas cut asunder, so keen-edged was that blade, 
And wild with joy I waved the brand on high. 
Then, grasping Regin's ancient hand in mine, 
" Master," I cried, " through thee is Gram re-born, 
What fierce assaults of men, what perils weird, 
Can I not face, with this to back my cause ! 
Name me, O Master, some adventure wild 
Wherein my sword a baptism red may earn, 
And I, perchance, earth of some monster rid." 

XVI 

And Regin answered : " Prescient words are these. 

Unwittingly thy lips have named the deed. 

If thou dost win, glory world-wide is thine. 

Riches incalculable. If thou dost lose, 

Grim death will be thy portion. On yon bank 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 41 

Let us sit down, that I may tell a tale 

Of bygone years, when this gray spirit was young." 

XVII 
Then spoke the master to his pupil thus : 
" In the old days, when the gods walked the earth, 
Odin, Loki and ancient Hoenir once 
Beside a waterfall sat down to rest ; 
And as they laughed and chatted they beheld, 
Not far away, upon the river's brink, 
An otter with a salmon in its mouth, 
Caught freshly Then did Loki, in whose heart 
Mischief was ever brewing, cast a stone 
Swiftly, and slew the otter, and its skin 
Stripped from the carcass, and gaily to his belt 
Hung it. Quoth he, ' A trophy of the chase.' 

XVIII 

" Now, in the evening, to a woodsman's hut, 
Hreidmar yclept, they came ; and when the man 
Sighted, at Loki's belt, the otter's skin. 
Dark fury seized him. ' Murderer base ! ' he cried, 
' Whence gattest thou that skin ? ' And Loki 

smiled. 
And, smiling, spoke : ' Beside a waterfall, 



42 SIGURD 

At noon, we rested ; I and my two friends. 
And as we laughed and chatted we beheld, 
Not far away, upon the river's brink, 
An otter with a salmon in his mouth, 
Caught freshly. And the beast I slew forthwith 
And flayed him, and his pelt about my waist 
Fastened. Behold ! A trophy of the chase.' 

XIX 
"Then Hreidmar: 'Thou hast slain my youngest 

son. 
Otter, who oft, by witchcraft, did assume 
The otter's shape that he more easily 
Might land the wily salmon from the stream. 
I know the waterfall, — his favorite haunt. 
Murderer thou art, and murderers are thy friends, 
And straightway shall ye die, that my son's death 
May be avenged. Ho ! Fafnir ! Regin ! Quick ! ' 

XX 

" At this there strode into the little hut 
A giant low of brow, of aspect fierce, 
Fafnir, old Hreidmar's eldest son ; and him 
Close following came the second son, myself. 
Ages ago was this, when earth was young — 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 43 

For, as thou knowest, my life is full of years, 
Ancient beyond the dreams of men — but still 
Vivid, distinct as yesterday, doth show 
Before my memory's eye, that fatal night. 
Well-armed my father Hreidmar was ; well-armed 
Fafnir and I, with spears and axes good ; 
And hapless seemed the plight of the three gods ; 
For, as thou knowest, when the immortal gods 
Put off their god-head, and assume the shapes 
Of mortal men, and walk the ways of earth, 
Subject to earthly laws they straight become. 
Thus was it now, and hopeless seemed their plight ; 
Spirits eterne in earthly bodies caught ; 
Valhallan gods by earthly churls oppressed. 

XXI 
" Then suddenly Hreidmar to his victims spoke : 
' Villains, one chance I'll give you for your lives. 
Cover yon otter skin with glittering gold. 
Aye, every hair, and hence ye may depart ! ' 

XXII 
" Then Loki : ' 'Tis a bargain ! My two friends 
Here will I leave, fit hostages, and soon 
Laden with glittering gold will I return.' 



44 SIGURD 

XXIII 

" Beneath the waterfall a cavern deep 
Opened, though from the prying eyes of men 
Screened was its narrow entrance by the fall. 
And here the wily dwarf, Andvari, dwelt, 
Chief of the Niblungs ; and, in galleries dark, 
Ever his gnomes here mined the yellow gold. 
And here was hidden that Niblung treasure vast, 
Famous of eld : bags, boxes filled with coins 
Golden and silvern ; beautiful ornaments — 
Rings, neck-chains, bracelets, fillets for the hair, 
Brooches and buckles, earrings, lockets, combs, 
All of fine gold, and most of them with gems 
Adorned, with dazzling diamonds, fairest pearls, 
Rubies and sapphires, opals, emeralds rare. 
Green as the ocean deeps where ^gir reigns ; 
And lamps and table vessels of fine gold — 
Wonderful platters, drinking-cups, great bowls, 
With many a mystic rune inscribed thereon. 
And round about, upon the cavern walls. 
Hung swords and spears, helmets and byrnies 

bright. 
Daggers and knives, and other warlike gear. 
And in the nooks and crannies of the rocks 
Strange odds and ends had found a home. Whate'er 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 45 

Seemed to the Niblung's avaricious eye 

Of value, great or small, was here. A hoard 

Motley and vast it was : one-half, methinks, 

Born of the anvil of Andvari, half 

Gathered through centuries from the outer world. 

Spoil of slain armies ! Loot of pillaged homes 1 

Flotsam and jetsam of wrecked argosies ! 

XXIV 

" Well known to Loki was Andvari' s hoard, 
And in his present need thereto he turned. 
Though little, in Valhalla, do the gods 
Value earth's riches. In that high abode 
All joys are theirs : naught else to be desired. 
Only on earth is yellow gold the king. 

XXV 

Now oft, within the stream, below the fall, 
Andvari, in the likeness of a pike, 
Sported, — for he the power of changing shapes 
Possessed, — and on this summer evening fair 
He sought its cooling waters crystalline. 
Him there did Loki find, and in a net 
Magic (by Ran the wife of ^gir made) 
Captured, and thus addressed the wily dwarf : 



46 SIGURD 

XXVI 

" ' Andvari, well I know thee : naught can change 

That serpent eye of thine. Loki I am. 

Now listen : three bags of gold must thou to-night 

Take, and to Hreidmar's hut them swiftly bear, 

That I my friends, Odin and Hoenir old, 

May ransom. Gold enough an otter's skin 

To cover, aye every hair, Hreidmar demands, 

For I unwittingly have slain his son. 

Quick mustwe act. How say'st thou, Niblung? Yes? 

'Tis well; else would this good right hand have 

crushed 
Thy miser's life out, though it were in shape 
Of fish or fowl or serpent dark disguised.' 

XXVII 
" He ceased, and thus Andvari answered him : 
' Let me once more my natural shape assume, 
And I will strive the gold to gather. Ah me ! 
Good Loki, little my poverty thou know'st. 
But I will do my best. Yea, three full bags 
Of gold I promise. Pray release me now.' 

XXVIII 
*• At this the god upon the frightened dwarf 
Relaxed his hold and him upon the ground 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 47 

Cast ; and Andvari straightway reassumed 
His human shape and, toward the waterfall 
Moving, cried out, ' Valhallan, follow me ! ' 

XXIX 
" Now when they reached the cavern's mouth the 

dwarf 
Halted and, crying * Enter ! ' stood on one side. 
And Loki entered and beheld the vast 
Chamber, from which long corridors branched out, 
Leading to other chambers underground. 
And everywhere swart Niblungs, grimy gnomes, 
His eye encountered : bags of treasure some 
Carried to and fro, and others at the forge 
Wrought, and yet others in deep galleries toiled 
With pick and shovel — all on labor bent. 
Labor unending. And Andvari cried, 
' Ho slaves ! Three bags of gold ! ' And straight- 
way rushed 
Three Niblung gnomes, and seized the bags, and them 
Fetched to their master. And Andvari said, 
' Here is the gold. Let us away 1 ' At once 
Each gnome upon his back hoisted a bag 
And, following Loki and Andvari, passed 
Out of the cave, into the forest wild. 



48 SIGURD 

XXX 

" Now when to Hreidmar's fateful hut had come 
This strange procession Loki through the door 
Strode, smiHng, followed by the Niblung chief, 
Andvari, and his grimy goblins three. 
Who on the floor their bags of treasure cast. 
And Loki cried, ' Here is the gold ! Bring forth 
The otter's skin, that we may cover it ! ' 
And thereupon my father brought the skin, 
And stretched it on the floor, and fell to work, 
Greedily, to cover with the shining gold 
The furry garment of his otter son. 
But though at first more than enough there seemed 
Of treasure, as my father wrought the skin 
Grew larger, or, at least, so seemed to grow, 
Till, at the last, when empty was each bag. 
One hair upon the muzzle of the beast 
Was still uncovered. Then my father spoke. 

XXXI 
" ' Methinks one muzzle-hair — plain to be seen — 
Is not yet covered ! What say ye, knaves, to this ? 
Know that your bargain ye must wholly keep. 
And covered must be every single hair, 
Or ye must die ! What say ye, villains ? Quick ! ' 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 49 

XXXII 

" Then Loki, turning to Andvari, spoke : 

' Niblung, hast thou more gold ? ' Answered the 

dwarf : 
' No more have I, my lord ; here or elsewhere.' 

XXXIII 

" But Hreidmar's was the greed insatiate. Thus 
Coldly he spoke : ' Methinks upon the hand 
Of that dark dwarf a glittering ring I see — 
A golden serpent with two ruby e5^es — 
Throw that upon the skin and ye are free.' 

XXXIV 

" Andvari then : ' Rather my life than that 1 ' 

XXXV 

"But, wild with the lust of gold, old Hreidmar 

clutched 
Fiercely the dwarf ; and, him as in a vise 
Holding, from ofT his finger wrenched the ring. 

XXXVI 

" Rage uncontrollable Andvari seized. 

* Accurst for evermore be Hreidmar ! Accurst 

For evermore be Hreidmar's house ! ' he cried. 



50 SIGURD 

* Accurst be he who wears the Niblung's ring ! ' 

Accurst be he who holds the Niblung's gold ! j 

May hate, disease, misfortunes dire, all ills | 

Conceivable, unutterable woe. 

Tortures of mind and body, pursue the steps j 

Of him who wears the ring or holds the gold I , 

Curst be his lot until his dying day ! 

O woe 1 Woe I Woe ! What now is life to me ! i 

Lost is the Niblung's power without his ring ! ' | 

XXXVII ■ 

" But Hreidmar only laughed. ' Begone ye knaves ! { 

Free are ye one and all ! And as for thee, 
Impudent dwarf, I fear thy curses not.' 

XXXVIII 

" Thereafter went the gods upon their way 
Rejoicing, and the Niblung sought his cave ; 
But Hreidmar gathered up the glittering gold, 
And in the sacks re-stowed it, and beside 
His treasure watched, sleepless, till morning dawned. 

XXXIX 
" Then Fafnir huge, whose glowering face bespoke 
Evil within, addressed our father thus : 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 51 

' Meseems 'twere fairer, since three bags of gold 
Tile Niblung brought, that each of us one bag 
Take as his share, and not that all the gold 
To thee alone should go. Good sons are we, 
Trusty and strong ; and had it not been for us, 
Regin and me, with our stout spears, methinks 
'Twould have gone hard with thee. Let us divide, 
Therefore, the Niblung's gold into three parts. 
One part for each. What say'st thou, father mine ? ' 

XL 
" But Hreidmar answered curtly : ' I trow not. 
The gold is mine, and mine it shall remain.' 

XLI 
" Then Fafnir : ' Miser 1 Thy blood be on thy head 1 ' 
And straightway through our father's body he drove 
His spear gigantic, and prone upon the floor. 
With a great cry, old Hreidmar tumbled, — dead. 

XLII 

" Thus went into effect, without delay. 
The Niblung's Curse : like a malignant star, 
Launched into ether by demoniac hands, 
Henceforth to burn, casting its influence dire 
On all who wear the ring or hold the gold. 



52 SIGURD 

XLIII 

" And Fafnir pulled from his dead father's hand 

The Niblung's ring, and placed it on his own, 

(A golden serpent with two ruby eyes) 

And — me, perchance, mistrusting — from the hut 

His treasure bore, seeking some safer spot ; 

Till, wandering through the wood, he came at 

last 
(Led, peradventure, by some power occult) 
Unto the waterfall, and there sat down. 
And long he gloated o'er his glittering gold. 
And as he gazed upon the ring he kissed, 
Softly, the shining band ; and straightway came 
From out the cavern's mouth the Niblung dwarf, 
Andvari, and knelt down upon the sand 
Low before Fafnir, crying 'What wouldst thou 

have? 
Slaves of the ring are we, I and my gnomes. 
Whoso possesses that possesses us. 
A power unseen impels us though we strive 
Against its bidding. Whoso possesses us, 
His is the Niblung's gold : that mighty hoard, 
Garnered through the centuries. If thou wouldst 

enjoy 
The glorious spectacle, enter and claim thine own.' 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 53 

XLIV 

" So saying, the dwarf arose ; and, with both hands, 

Pointed to the waterfall ; then, bowing low, 

Strode toward the cavern's mouth ; and Fafnir, filled 

With wonder and greedy joy, him followed close. 

And when the son of Hreidmar saw the Hoard, 

Modey and vast, seemingly limitless. 

He laughed, and smote his hands together, and 

cried, 
' Ah, luckiest mortal in the world am I ! 
Here will I bide, amidst my glittering gold ! ' 
And there abode he ; but, as passed the years. 
Slowly he changed from bad to worse, and grew 
Into a thing of horror, half man, half beast ; 
And in the end a creature wholly beast 
Became, a dragon loathsome, hideous, fierce, 
Cruel and powerful, from whose scaly hide, 
Hard as wrought iron, the sharpest spear rebounds, 
All unavailing. And there abides he still. 
But I, within my father's hut, alone. 
Deep in the forest, dwelt for many a year. 
And later, from that sage of ancient days, 
Mimer, the wisest man in all the north, 
I learned the sword-smith's art. Then, as thou 

knowest, 



54 SIGURD 

King Sigmund sought, and him served till he died. 
And now what thinkest thou of my story, lad ? " 

XLV 
" Fafnir," I answered, " shall be Gram's first meat. 
What say'st thou, Master? Brother of thine is he, 
I know, but also murderer of thy sire. 
Earth were well rid of him. Is it not so ? 
Thy silence gives approval. Master mine. 
To-day will I make ready for the fight ; 
To-morrow will I face this monster ; aye. 
E'en in his lair. May Odin grant success I " 

XLVI 
" And wilt thou take the treasure and the ring 
Attainted ? Wilt thou brave the Niblung's curse ? " 

XLVII 

Thus Regin, and to him I made reply : 

" I know not. What think'st thou ? 'Twere well, 

indeed. 
To ponder this. Perchance, when comes the hour, 
Odin my course will guide. Great plans have I, 
Master, for the future. Firstly, to avenge 
My father's death, and Hundung's sons destroy ; 
And next, with ships and men to sally forth 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 55 

O'er the great ocean, distant lands to view. 

For these things gold were welcome — gold to buy 

Stout galleys, gold to man them. Think'st thou not, 

Master, that if this now attainted hoard 

Were put to uses good the curse might die ? " 

XLVIII 
And Regin answered : " Aye, perchance it might; 
And yet I fear 'twill not. Terrible to me 
It seems, this ancient curse, and fraught with ills 
Unending. But my spirit fails with age, 
And ever doubtful and despondent grows ; 
Fearful of all things, longing for life's end : 
Not like the buoyant soul that lives in thee. 
Bright as the sun of Easter-month and strong. 
Balder thou art, methinks, come back to earth ; 
Balder, the springtime jubilant, whose face 
Fronts the inconstant future with a smile ; 
Eager to breast the battle and the gale ; 
Eager to pit thyself against the world 
And try which be the stronger, it or thou. 
Balder thou art, but Hoder old am I, 
Hoder, the winter, white with deepening snows. 
Little I know, now at life's end ; but if 
'Tis possible to bring the curse to naught 



56 SIGURD 

Thy plan will do it : evil thwart with good. 
But let me end this tale, while yet my tongue 
Hath power of speech, for shadows of the grave 
Beset me, and scarce comes my fleeting breath. 
Death's hand upon my stiffening limbs I feel. 
Methinks the end is near. List now, my lad ! 
When I am gone search thou the smithy chest — 
A map thine eyes will find — the waterfall — 
The Niblung's cave — not far from here they lie. 
Easily to be reached when once the way is known. 
Go forth and do the deed. Long hath the world 
Waited for thee. May Odin guide thy hand ! " 

XLIX 
So saying, from its earthly dwelling-place. 
Swiftly, with scarce a bodily tremor, passed 
The ghost of Regin ; and as from the fields 
Rises the laverock to the azure sky 
Rejoicing ; so, methinks, that noble soul. 
Leaving its worn-out garment, rose in air, 
Rejoicing to Valhalla, and there abides. 

L 
But I — when near the smithy door these hands 
His withered frame had buried — my Master's words 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 57 

Remembered, and sought out the ancient chest, 
And searched within its depths, and found the map, 
E'en as his dying voice had bidden me. Lo 1 
Traced on the yellow parchment, plotted with care. 
The waterfall — the Niblung's cave 1 Not far 
From the old smithy was the spot, a scant 
League through the forest ; easily to be reached 
When once the way was known. And in my hand 
I grasped my father's weapon, Gram the Wrath, 
The gift of Odin, now., by Regin's skill 
Re-born for me ; and, lifting him on high, 
I swore before the morrow's sun should set 
To slay the dragon or myself be slain. 

LI 

Now when the moon had risen I wandered out 
Into the forest, and though my first intent 
Had been to sally forth at break of day 
On my adventure, fresh and strong from sleep. 
Yet ever toward the Niblung's cave my feet 
Moved, by a power resistless drawn, like steel 
Drawn by the magnet, so that I, ere long. 
Had gone full half the distance. Suddenly, then, 
Before me, like a spectral shape, appeared. 
Right in my path standing, a figure strange. 



58 SIGURD 

One-eyed he was and huge, a great slouched hat 
Betopped his golden locks, and a blue cloak 
Covered his shoulders. Not of earth he seemed, 
But mystic, superhuman. Such his mien 
Awe filled my bosom. Odin 'twas in truth. 
Quoth he : " Where goest thou, Sigurd ? " I re- 
plied : 
•' Fafnir to slay." Then he : " And fear'st thou not 
To attempt the deed ? Fafnir is strong and fierce, 
Cruel and terrible." " But I fear him not," 
I cried. " Within my hand I hold the sword 
My father, Sigmund, from the old oak-tree 
Wrested ; the gift of Odin, Gram the Wrath, 
Re-born through Regin's skill. Why should I fear 
This dragon? Through his loathsome mail my 

blade, — 
Magic, invincible, — will I thrust, and pierce 
His devil's heart. No ! No ! I fear him not 1 " 
Then Odin : "Worthy son of a brave sire 
Art thou, my lad : courage aye wins success. 
But list I Wait not until to-morrow dawns. 
But go to-night. Each morn comes Fafnir forth 
From out his lair, the Niblung's cavern vast, 
To slake his thirst beside the waterfall. 
His trail thou wilt perceive in the soft sand. 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 59 

Dig thou to-night a pit, narrow and deep, 
Upon the trail, and stand within the pit, 
And when at break of day comes Fafnir forth 
And moves along his trail, and covers thee, 
Thrust upward with thy sword and pierce his heart. 
Farewell." So saying, — like a wraith that comes 
Out of the unknown, and shows itself, and then 
To the unknown returns, — he disappeared. 

Lll 
So swiftly through the forest now I strode, 
My heart on fire, until the waterfall. 
White in the moonlight, did mine eyes behold. 
And to the stream below the fall I came, 
And searched upon the sand, and straightway found 
The dragon's trail ; and on the trail I dug. 
With my good sword, as Odin had bidden me, 
A pit, narrow and deep, then into the pit 
Got, sword in hand, and waited for the dawn. 

LIII 
Now at the earliest light came Fafnir forth, 
From out the Niblung's cave, his thirst to slake ; 
And as I stood within the pit my gaze 
Followed his every motion. Huge his frame. 



6o SIGURD 

Armored with dusk}'^ scales : his upreared head 

Helmeted like the basilisk's : his eye 

Malignant, like the basilisk's, and cold ; 

Repulsive, as in every age hath been 

The eye of reptile, filling with strange fear, 

Horror inexplicable, the hearts of men. 

His giant jaws were partly open ; his whole 

Saurian visage ruthless, terrible. 

Along the earth his length ten fathoms stretched, 

Loathsome to look upon. A crocodile 

With wings, he looked, but huger ; more, methinks, 

Like some vast brute of earlier ages born. 

Out from his lair beneath the waterfall 

He passed, then, turning, down along the stream 

Pursued his sluggish course. Hideous the sight ! 

But I, e'en when he neared me, felt no fear. 

And as his carcass lumbered o'er the pit, 

And sudden darkness filled the narrow space, 

Up through his yellow under-hide I drove 

Gram to his heart. Forth, like a river, rushed 

The dragon's blood ; and me from head to foot 

In liquid blackness bathed. (For black as night 

Was Fafnir's blood, compound of evils gross.) 

Then from the pit I clomb, and drew the steel 

From out the monster, who me thus addressed : 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 6i 

LIV 

" What man art thou whose crafty thrust hath drawn 
My Hfe-blood ? And what purpose moved thy heart? 
Unknown thou art to me, unharmed by me. 
Whence comest thou ? Who hath urged thee to this 
deed ? " 

LV 
Then I : " Fafnir, thou knowest me not : but thee 
I know. A monster execrable. Right soon 
Dead wilt thou be through bite of my good sword. 
Without thee earth were happier. But methinks 
Upon thy claw a glittering ring I see — 
A golden serpent with two ruby eyes. 
That will I take. All else of thee may rot." 

LVI 
Then Fafnir : " 'Tis the Niblung's ring. A curse 
Goes with it. Dost thou know the evil tale ? " 

LVII 

" The tale I know, but nathless will I take 

The ring and wear it. The Niblung's gold I need." 

So saying, from the dragon's claw I drew 

The glittering band that rules Andvari's hoard. 



62 SIGURD 

LVIII 

" May the curse blast thee ! " Fafnir screamed — then 
died. 

LIX 
Then from the cave came forth the Niblung dwarf, 
Andvari, and beheld the dragon dead ; 
Though weltering still in his black blood, as worms, 
Both great and small, are wont to do when slain. 
And on his knees, before me, fell the dwarf, 
Crying, " Hail Master ! Wearer of the Ring ! 
Whoso possesses that, possesses us — 
Custodians of the Hoard. What wouldst thou have ? 
Immeasurable wealth is thine. Behold 
The Niblung's cave ! Enter and claim thine own." 
And straightway (following the dwarf, who rose 
And went before me) toward the waterfall 
I strode and, passing underneath the force. 
Entered the narrow portal of the cave. 
And thereupon my wondering eyes beheld. 
E'en as my Master's words had pictured it. 
The chamber vast wherein the Niblungs dwell. 
And from it dusky corridors branched out, 
Leading to other chambers underground. 
And everywhere swart Niblungs, grimy gnomes, 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 63 

Mine eyes encountered : bags of treasure some 
Carried to and fro, and otiiers at tiie forge 
Wrouglit, and yet others in deep galleries toiled 
With pick and shovel — all on labor bent, 
Labor unending. And Andvari cried, 
" Master, here shalt thou dwell and be our chief ; 
Reigning, like Fafnir, over limitless wealth 1" 

LX 
But I the crafty Niblung thus bespoke : 
" Thy gloomy halls, Andvari, charm me not. 
Rather, for me, the open air, the sun. 
The moon, the stars, the forest and the sea. 
Nathless, great projects for the future years 
I've planned, and for their fit accomplishment 
This wealth is needed. Therefore bid thy gnomes 
Three sacks of gold make ready, and through the 

wood, 
Straightway to Regin's smithy carry them. 
Anon, perhaps, more treasure will I need 
My plans to prosper ; therefore be prepared. 
Like the young eagle doth my spirit burn 
To spread its wings, not underneath the ground 
To burrow like the mole. Dost understand 
Niblung ? Remain thou here, my vassal true, 



64 SIGURD 

Custodian of the Hoard ; remain and wait 
My coming. Be thou regent here for me, 
Sigurd, thy master, who doth wear the ring." 

LXI 
And low Andvari bowed, and answered : " Aye, 
My master, well I'll guard the Hoard." Then cried : 
" Ho slaves ! Three bags of gold ! " And straight- 
way rushed 
Three Niblung gnomes, and seized the bags, and 

them 
Fetched to their master. And Andvari said : 
" Here is the gold, my lord." And I replied : 
" Let us away ! " At once, upon his back 
Each gnome a bag of treasure swung, and then — 
They following me — we passed out of the cave, 
And thence to Regin's ancient smithy came. 
Here did the gnomes their treasure leave, and then 
Straightway unto the Niblung's cave returned. 

LXII 
Thereafter did I seek a seaport old, 
Not far away, famed as a rendezvous 
Of fisherfolk and vikings ; and here bought 
Three galleys good and them o'erhauled and named 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 65 

The Dragon, Wolf and Bear, and for the prow 
Of each the shipwrights carved a figurehead 
In keeping with the name, and gilded it, 
And fair they were to see. (E'en those thine eyes 
Beheld this morn.) And then for each I shipped 
A crew of lusty lads, all ocean-bred, 
Skilful with oar and canvas, sword and spear, 
Vikings who loved, like me, the wanderer's life. 
And when to snow-clad earth once more returned 
Bright Balder, and unlocked the frozen streams. 
And lifted from the world its mantle white, 
And spread o'er land and sea his prospering airs, 
I to avenge my father's death set out. 
And up the coast of Norroway we sailed 
Unto that land where Hunding once did rule. 
Long since was Hunding dead, but o'er the land 
Still ruled his breed, two cruel sons and false, 
Lyngi and Horward ; and upon their coasts 
Falling, fierce as the famished wolf, by night. 
We caught them unawares, at wassail, and slew 
All but a handful of their men-at-arms, 
And left the banquet hall a blazing pyre. 
And at the last the two kings turned to fly, 
Craven, but I faced them in their flight and cried : 
" Be men, not swine ! Sigurd am I, the son 



66 SIGURD 

Of Sigmund, whom your father foully slew. 
Prepare to die I " And Lyngi, the elder, raised 
His sword to strike, but ere he struck, fell Gram, 
Swiftly descending, upon his helm, and clove 
Helmet and head and mail-clad body in twain. 
And on the ground the two halves fell apart. 
And Horward, likewise, did Gram cleave in twain, 
E'en as he turned to fly. Then from the land 
Of Hunding's sons I passed, — my father's death 
Avenged, — and that fair territory sought 
Which Hunding from my noble sire did wrest — 
That spot beloved where first the light of earth 
My infant eyes beheld. Gone was the home 
Where Sigmund once and sweet Siglinda dwelt — 
That noble hall my grandsire, Volsung, built, 
Up through whose roof the mighty oak-tree soared, 
Branstock, and bloomed within the outer air : 
That hall where once the bearded heroes sat 
Drinking, with lightsome hearts, the nut-brown ale ; 
While on the lofty wall each glittering shield 
Hung idle, flanked by battle-axe and spear ; 
That hall to which, amidst the wassail, came 
The one-eyed stranger with the unsheathed sword, 
Odin, and silent stalked across the room, 
And into Branstock plunged the glittering blade. 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 67 

Gone was that noble hall, by Hunding's hand 

Fired on that midnight twice seven years before, 

When fell my father and my mother fied, 

As flies the stricken deer, to Regin's forge. 

Gone was my childhood's home, and, as I walked 

About the blackened spot where once it stood 

Tears filled my eyes. Then, from afar and near, 

Hearing of my return whom they thought dead, 

Came, in the months which followed, henchmen old, 

Who for my father oft had borne the spear. 

And these, and many others, me besought 

Henceforth to abide with them and rule the land. 

And for a time I tarried and, perchance. 

Better had it been if I had there remained, 

Ruling the kingdom which my father ruled. 

But evermore the call of the great world. 

In accents irresistible, I heard — 

Sweet voices from beyond our boreal seas. 

Voices from out the magic realms of Rome, 

Singing of ampler knowledge, higher arts, 

Of nobler manners and a fuller life ; 

Singing a land by Nature's kindliest smile 

Illumined, of all earth the garden spot ; 

A fair domain in which the Midland Sea 

Lay like a sapphire in a golden brooch ; 



68 SIGURD 

A land enchanted, where the stately walls 

Of villas and of palaces uprose 

Innumerable, by gardens fair begirt, 

Under whose bosky shade pale statues stood ; 

Singing a nation proud and puissant, dam 

Of valiant sons, who to their mother's knee 

The treasures of remotest earth had brought ; 

Singing a realm ruled from the Tiber's banks ; 

A peaceful land by warriors' spears upheld ; 

An ordered state where safe was each one's life ; 

An empire splendid as the midday sun, 

Within whose bounds the mind of man had reached 

Its highest, and his hand had wrought its best, 

And which, like the great sun, did radiate 

Upon our earth its light beneficent. 

This and yet more the voices sang to me. 

Till on my spirit a wild wander-lust 

Seized, and dissatisfied were all my days. 

So in my place a kinsman strong and true. 

In whom the blood of Volsung likewise ran, 

Thorwald, surnamed The Incorruptible, 

I left as ruler of the little state. 

And for a cruise began to make prepare 

Long and uncertain. Stores my ships required. 

And of the mariners who with me sailed 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 69 

Against the sons of Hunding some were slain 
And others, having wife and bairn, perchance, 
Loved not so long a voyage, so with men 
From my own land the vacancies I filled. 
Till every ship her complement contained — 
Some youngsters like myself, old sea-dogs some, 
Graybeards who had my father Sigmund served, 
And loved the son because the sire they loved. 
And for the Wolf and Bear captains I chose. 
Strong men by nature fitted for command. 
Eric the Wanderer one, who on the deep 
Was born, and all his life upon the deep 
Had dwelt, till scarce he knew the touch of earth : 
To him the Wolf I gave. And to the Bear 
Hakon the son of Halfdan I assigned. 
A man of temper fierce, yet wise withal, 
Intrepid, yet a cautious counselor. 
And of the largest vessel of the three, 
The Dragon, I myself assumed command. 

LXIII 
Then set we sail once more, with eager hearts, 
And, bearing westward, sought the famous isle 
Of Britain, where till late the Roman ruled. 
And first the foggy Shetlands we beheld. 



70 SIGURD 

And landed, and Norse rovers like ourselves 
Everywhere found, on wild adventure bent, 
Hovering like ospreys ere they strike their prey. 
Thence to the Orkneys southerly we sailed, 
And likewise here the ships of Northland found, 
For springtime 'twas, and every viking bold 
His summer cruise was planning, and in dreams 
Himself beheld returning to his home — 
What time the autumn's briefer days are come — 
With galleys laden to the water's edge, 
Silver and gold and splendid booty his. 
Then down the rocky Caledonian coast 
We made our way until that famous wall 
Which Roman Hadrian built against the Picts 
We reached, and here a while on shore I stayed. 
That I might view this marvel of men's hands. 
From ocean unto ocean it extends. 
From far Ituna on the western shore 
To Segedunum on the east, where falls 
The river Tyne into the northern sea. 
Aye, fourscore miles, o'er hill and dale and plain,- 
Rising and falling with the varied land — 
It stretches, like some sleeping serpent vast. 
Built is't of stone, with ample fosse in front ; 
So broad its top that, at the narrowest parts. 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 71 

Three men with shields and spears can walk 

abreast ; 
And all along that top a line of towers — 
Endless unto the eye it seems — stands guard ; 
And all along behind the wall great camps, 
Cities more like, at intervals are reared. 
Here, till of late, the Roman stood on guard, 
Northernmost outpost of his empire vast. 
A wondrous sight it was to me, this wall, 
To me whose eyes, though hoping to behold 
Earth's greatest works, perchance e'en Rome itself, 
Had seen, as yet, naught but the wilderness. 
Gray ocean, and the mountains of the north. 
A wondrous sight it is, though swift decay 
Already hath begun to sap its strength. 
For Rome, to-day, is not what she hath been. 
And hath abandoned Britain to its fate, 
And so, perforce, neglected stands the wall. 
And in that distant island where once reigned 
Law, and secure were property and life. 
And years of peace had brought prosperity. 
Confusion now, low crime and rapine rule ; 
And like a wife left husbandless, who stands 
Alone and unprotected, is the land. 
Bereft of the strong shelter of Rome's arm. 



72 SIGURD 

LXIV 

Now once more to the southward did we steer, 
Skirting the rugged coast, till Humber's mouth 
We reached and entered and, as in the isles 
Of Orkney and of Shetland, here we found 
The Norsemen's ships, aye, everywhere we went, 
In port or on the wing, they seemed to be. 
With broidered sails and golden figureheads 
Glittering in the sunshine, and the warriors' shields, 
When o'er the deep they journeyed, outboard hung 
Along the gunwales. And to me the thought 
Came, and hath lingered with me ever since, 
That, as the Roman hath this favored isle 
Abandoned to its fate, to sink or swim, 
Perchance 'twill be the Norseman's destiny 
To people and to rule it, and, in truth, 
A land well suited is it to our race. 

LXV 

Then down the coast once more we sailed away, 
Past many a headland bold and harbor snug. 
Until at last the mouth of Thames we reached. 
And here I should have entered — for my plan 
Was and still is, at future day, to see 
Londinium, of all British towns the chief, 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 73 

The largest and the richest in the isle, — 

But learning that unfriendly were the folk, 

And being — though my vikings scoffed at fear — 

Not overstrong in ships and men, I deemed 

Prudence the part of wisdom and forebore. 

Then hearing praise of Burgundy and thee, 

And longing to behold the river Rhine, 

I bade farewell to Britain's foggy land. 

Thence borne along by favorable winds, 

We toward the Frisian coast our galleys' heads 

Turned, and that level region sighted soon — 

Low as the ocean — where, through many a mouth, 

Rhine's waters pass into the northern sea. 

And by that mouth we entered where doth lie 

Batavia's famous isle — Batavian once. 

Then Roman and now Frank — but showing still. 

In many a solid road and well-built wall, 

And many a fortress fashioned with all skill, 

Strongest the impress of Rome's master hand, 

For Rome doth ever build to last for aye. 

A noted spot hath always been this land 

Right at Rhine's mouth. Here, from the gloomy 

depths 
Of the Hercynian Forest came, at first. 
The fierce Batavi and upon this isle 



74 SIGURD 

Founded a habitation and a home ; 
Here, later, by that sibyl fair inflamed 
Bructerian, who within the dark tower dwelt, 
Civilis, chafing from his chains unjust. 
Marshaled his doughty clans and fought with 

Rome; 
And here his fleet the son of Drusus formed. 
Wherewith to bear his legions to the Elbe, 
And subjugate the warlike Teuton land — 
A task e'en for Germanicus too great, 
For though in battle thrice his foes he drave 
Before him, yet unconquered was the land, 
And hath remained so till this very day. 
But let me to my narrative return. 
O'er all this low Rhine country now doth rule 
(As well ye know, Burgundians, whose domain 
Borders upon his own) a Frankish king. 
Wise Merovseus, son of Clodion. Him 
Haply I met, and friendly were his words. 
Bidding me tarry long within his realm. 
Or up the Rhine proceed with ships and men. 
As my convenience suited. And although 
Pleasant it would have been to linger there 
Tasting the welcome of our new-found friends. 
The wanderer's heart within me drove me on. 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 75 

LXVI 

So set we forth once more, 'twixt fertile shores 

Steering, low as the wave, until, at last. 

From out that hollow land of dune and dyke 

Emerging, we to loftier regions came. 

And as our little fleet the noble stream 

Ascended slow, day after day my eyes 

Some thought-compelling spectacle beheld. 

For on our right, with many a tower and town, 

Was Rome, or what was once the Roman realm, 

And on our left the peoples of the north. 

And oft upon the future of this land 

I mused, and wondered whether e'er again 

Would Rome her pristine puissance regain. 

Or whether here the peoples of the north — 

Thy race and mine, O king, — should henceforth 

rule. 
And to my mind it seemed that Rome must pass, 
That her all-conquering arm must some time fail. 
And her illuming sun must some time sink ; 
And, after night, another sun must rise, 
Another day must dawn upon the earth. 
Another race must rule these hills and streams, 
Perchance the fair-haired children of the north. 
For such is Nature's way. Empires like men 



76 SIGURD 

Grow old and die, and in their place new states, 
Like generations new of men, arise. 



LXVII 
Thus musing, day by day, at last I came 
Unto thy realm, here royal welcome found, 
And now join with thee at this festal board 
To celebrate the auspicious hour wherein. 
Seven years ago, thy happy reign began. 

End of Sigurd^ s Narrative 



LXVIII 
He ceased ; and round the mighty table ran 
The applause of many hands ; and from the lips 
Of knights and ladies who, erstwhile, had sat 
Rapt listeners, words of warm approval rose. 
The buzz of many voices filled the air. 
Then Gunter thus : " A gallant tale well told. 
Methinks our brother of the north was born 
A warrior and a saga-man in one. 
Like the first Caesar, whom our fathers fought. 
The mighty Julius, well he tells his deeds. 
We thank him one and all. But let us not 



SIGURD'S NARRATIVE 77 

Him weary with a feast too long drawn out, 

For after travel nature craves repose. 

One parting cup we'll have, and then good-night." 

LXIX 
So saying, from his seat he rose and stood. 
Six feet of kingliness, before his guests ; 
Then, lifting high in air his golden cup. 
Studded with precious stones, and crying, "Sir 

Knights, 
Here's to the ladies! Our sweethearts and our 

wives, 
Our mothers and our sisters ! Here's to all ! " 
He set the beaker to his bearded lips 
And quaffed, to the last drop, the ruddy wine. 
And likewise did the knights with one accord 
Rise, at the selfsame moment as the king, 
And, standing with uplifted goblets, cry 
" The Ladies," and drink down the good red wine. 
And on the hand of Sigurd, as he held 
His cup aloft and quaffed the ruddy draught. 
Was seen, by those near by, the jewel rare 
Whereof his lips had spoken : the Niblung's ring, 
A golden serpent with two ruby eyes. 
Shining, with baleful light, beneath the lamps. 



IV 

THE TOURNAMENT 

I 
Now, that he might still further celebrate 
His coronation's anniversary, and 
Still further entertain his northland guests, 
Gunter proclaimed a day for manly sports — 
Contests of strength and skill : athletic feats 
And martial exercises manifold. 
Such as all vikings love, for Sigurd's men : 
For the Burgundian knights a tournament. 

II 

Bright rose the summer sun above the Rhine, 

Blazoning the river and the plain beyond. 

Filled, on this morning of the tournament. 

Already with a concourse of brave knights. 

Here, in a spacious meadow, smooth and green. 

Betwixt the city and the forest set, 

Were placed the lists. Here, on the close-cut sward. 

In shape a giant crescent, gay with flags. 

Rose the pavilion of the king. And here, 

78 



THE TOURNAMENT 79 

Arrayed in gala-day apparel, drest 
In gowns of every color, reigned The Fair — 
The dames and damosels of Gunter's court. 
The flowers of Burgundy, high o'er the lists 
Sitting, sweet umpires of the deeds of men. 
Here, of the fair the fairest, sat Gudrun. 



Ill 
Now, when all things were ready, the heralds blew 
Their horns ; and Sigurd's sailors on the green 
Appeared, guests of the king, and therefore first 
To show their prowess on the listed field. 



IV 
Running and wrestling matches then were seen ; 
Throwing the hammer, vaulting with the pole ; 
The tug of war, wherein the brawny crews 
Of Sigurd's ships against each other strove. 
And then the archer's skill the throng engrossed, 
And fencing bouts, and casting the swift spear. 
And other warlike exercises. All 
Of these the crowd beheld with keen delight. 
Greeting with many a cheer or loud " Well done I " 
The winners of each trial of strength or skill. 



8o SIGURD 

V 

Next comes the chief event, the tournament, 
Wherein two parties of Burgundian knights 
Strive for the victory. Gathered on each side 
Of the great meadow now, impatiently, 
The signal they await. And first a blast 
Preparative the heralds sound, and straight 
The turnpikes of the lists are opened wide, 
And on the level field the knights debouch, 
Gay, clad in glittering mail, a gallant sight. 
Each with his lady's favor round his helm 
Fastened, or from left shoulder hanging free. 
One party in the north end of the field 
Ranges, in the south the other. The heralds next 
A second signal give, and thereupon 
Each cavalier his spear and shield doth dress 
And everything makes ready. Now, at the third 
Blast of the trumpets, lo, they're off ! The knights 
Put spurs to their good steeds and o'er the field 
Against their adversaries ride full tilt. 
The meadow, beaten by tempestuous hoofs. 
Trembles as in an earthquake ; while the din 
Of charging squadrons fills the expectant air. 
(Ah, wildly flutters now each maiden's heart !) 
As two great ocean surges sometimes rush 



THE TOURNAMENT 8i 

Against each other, driven by contrary winds, 
So rush these rival companies of knights 
Each against other and, meeting in midfield. 
Shock, with a sound Hke distant thunder, or 
The boom of the swift surf upon the shore. 
And many a broken lance flew up in air, 
And many a lusty knight to earth was thrown, 
And wildly did the crowd the victors cheer. 

VI 
Then spoke King Gunter unto Sigurd thus : 
" Wouldst like. Sir Knight, to try a tilt ? Although 
Unused thou art to our Burgundian ways, 
Gallantly I know thou wouldst acquit thyself." 

VII 
And Sigurd answered : '* Knightly tournament 
Ne'er have mine eyes beheld until this hour. 
Yet from my boyhood to bestride a horse 
Hath been my keen delight ; that, and to ride 
The restless waves of ocean, the untamed steeds 
Of the wild waste of waters. The horseman's skill. 
Therefore, is mine already ; perchance some touch 
Of the tourney's art, all unknown to myself. 
May come to me as down the lists I ride 



82 SIGURD 

Against mine adversary, and I, the esquire, 
May tilt the knight. Yet, if I be o'erthrown, 
What matter? 'Tis but the sport of a summer's day, 
And wiser for the lesson shall I be." 

VIII 
Then Gunter : " Thou dost speak like a true knight. 
Our Hagen here will try a tilt with thee, 
The captain of my men-at-arms, the best 
Lance in all Burgundy. Come, Hagen, show 
Our sailor guest how Rhinelanders can joust." 

IX 
And Hagen, grim, black-bearded, with great frame 
Teutonic, saying, *' Thy wish is law, my king," 
Stepped down into the lists, and soon appeared 
Armed cap-a-pie, ready for the mimic fray. 

X 

Then yet again spoke Gunter to his guest : 

" Take thou my charger, and my tilting lance, 

Gauntlets and shield, for thine own arms, fair knight, 

Are all too serious for our sportful jousts. 

'Tis but mock combat. And if thou wouldst wear 

Favor of some sweet lady in the lists, 



THE TOURNAMENT 83 

As doth beseem knight young and comely, lo, 
Choose from yon bunch of beauties ! " So saying, 

he glanced 
Upward to where, a lily in the midst 
Of clustering roses, sat the fair Gudrun, 
Begirt by the twelve damsels of her bower. 

XI 
And Sigurd : " If it be not overbold, 
Sire, to thus voice the verdict of my eyes. 
This wise my thought doth run : — above, below, 
To right, to left, nothing so beautiful 
As the fair Princess of the realm I see ; 
Gudrun, the lily maid of Burgundy. 
Her favor, thou being willing, I fain would wear." 

XII 
Then, by her brother bidden, down stept Gudrun 
From that array of beauty, and round the arm 
Of Sigurd bound her favor, a blue sleeve 
Broidered with golden lilies. And as she bound 
Deftly the sleeve she murmured, " Thou, Sir Knight, 
My champion art" ; and Sigurd answered low, 
" Princess, with this, thy token, round mine arm, 
Methinks I could o'erwhelm a world of men." 



84 SIGURD 

XIII 

And Sigurd the king's charger mounted and took 
His tilting lance and shield and gauntlets e'en 
As Gunter him had bidden ; and to the north 
End of the spacious meadow rode and there 
Waited the signal. And Hagen in the south 
His station took, and silent there abode, 
Motionless, gigantic, like some towering shape 
Equestrian, by the sculptor wrought of bronze. 
And Sigurd's horse was snow-white, but the steed 
Of Hagen black as midnight was. And thrice 
The trumpets blew, and at the third blast the 

knights — 
Sunshine against shadow — moved to the assault. 

XIV 

And Sigurd dressed his shield and couched his spear 
And, putting spurs to his horse, dashed down the field 
Like a whirlwind : and the blue sleeve of Gudrun, 
Made fast near his left shoulder, backward streamed 
Like pennant in the gale, beheld of all, 
Her favor. And full tilt at Hagen he rode, 
And in the midst of his defenses struck 
The Burgundian knight. And Hagen, by the shock 
Lifted from out his saddle and backward borne, 



THE TOURNAMENT 85 

Reeled o'er the crupper of his horse, and fell 
Half a spear's length behind. And on the sward, 
Stunned by the fall, all motionless, he lay. 
Seemingly dead. And silent the people sat 
At sight of their great champion overthrown. 
But Gunter cried : " Well done, Sigurd ! " And the 

crowd, 
Hearing the king's voice, broke forth into cheers. 

XV 

Then came attendants out and Hagen bore, 
Half-conscious, from the lists ; and led away 
The sable charger, whinnying for his lord. 
And thus, that day, the sports came to an end. 

XVI 

And Sigurd, dreaming of Gudrun, forgot — 
Or but remembered as light sport — his joust 
With Hagen ; but the dark Burgundian knight, 
Being vanquished, forgot not his vanquishment ; 
And, brooding ever o'er the event, hot rage 
Against his vanquisher turned to hatred cold, 
Which, like a venemous serpent, dwelt concealed 
Within his breast, waiting its time to strike. 



V 
SIGURD AND GUDRUN 

I 

Within her bower the lily maid Gudrun 

Sat with her damsels twelve and with deft hands 

Rich hangings for the palace walls they wrought. 

And of these hangings there were seven, and each 

The fair presentment of a deity 

Bore on its front, in divers colored threads 

Embroidered. The Supernal Powers they were 

To whom the seven days of every week 

Are sacred. Them upon the costly cloth 

The damsels wrought in gorgeous colorings. 

II 

Now as they worked came Sigurd to the bower 

And looked within, and him Gudrun beheld 

And, smiling, cried, " Enter, my lord. To-day 

We maidens toil upon a mighty task. 

These seven hangings for the banquet hall 

We fain would finish. For a year and more 

Them have we worked upon ; but now, at last, 

86 



SIGURD AND GUDRUN 87 

Methinks they're nearly done. Behold, my lord ! 
Knowest thou these ancient deities for whom 
The seven days of every week are named ? " 

III 
And Sigurd answered, " Aye, I know them well." 
Then, gazing on the broideries, each in turn. 
While to his words the lily maid Gudrun 
And all her damsels twelve, a lovely sight. 
Listened with rapt attention, thus he spake. 

IV 

" Behold, of all the first, the golden Sun 

Shining upon this lofty mountain top ! 

The source of light ! The eye of Odin great I 

All vivifying — all sustaining Power ! 

Him do we honor on the week's first day, 

Him do we praise. For what were this dark earth 

Without his light — thrice blessed, heavenly light? 

E'en as the halls of Hela cold, where dwell 

The spirits of the wicked ones, would be 

This world of ours without his glorious lamp ! 

V 
" Next comes Our Lady of the silver moon. 
Her do we honor on the second day. 



88 SIGURD 

Well have ye done, fair maids, to paint her thus — 

Shining at night upon the tranquil sea, 

Smiling, perchance, upon the mariner 

As homeward to his heart's desire he goes — 

His heart's desire who in her bower doth sit, 

Gazing at Luna and her lane of light, 

And longing for her lover in her arms. 

Ah Moon, fair Moon, how beautiful thou art ! 

VI 
" But what a change when to the week's third day 
We come ! Behold, equipped with helm and spear 
And byrnie bright, the one-armed god of war, 
Brave Tyr, whose missing limb the Fenris Wolf 
Tore off, in fury, at the elbow joint I 
A bright exemplar for us all is Tyr. 
Him must we follow, ladies fair, we men, 
And for our wives and bairns and country dear. 
If so the Fates decree, give limb or life. 
So did god Tyr. So ever do the brave. 

VII 
" What noble shape, all-puissant, have we here ? 
Puissant yet sad. The fourth day of the week. 
In honor of great Odin is it named : 
Father of gods and men ; of heaven and earth 



SIGURD AND GUDRUN 89 

The ruler. E'en the realms beneath the earth, 

Where the grim goddess Hela doth pursue 

With lashes punitive, for all their crimes, 

The evil spirits of the underworld, 

His sway acknowledge ; and old ocean's king, 

The green-haired ^gir, doth salute him lord. 

Only the pallid Norns do him defy. 

The sisters three of Fate, who sit far off, 

Outside of Time, and the beginning see 

Of all this earthly pageant and the end. 

Above the plains of Ida and the homes 

Of all the gods they dwell, these mystic ones, 

Spinning the thread of life, inscrutable. 

Of aspect beautiful, methinks, are they, 

And yet unpitying, suited to their task ; 

For though with prayer and sacrifice we seek 

To turn them from their purpose, 'tis in vain — 

Nor man nor god can change their dread decrees. 

E'en as a maiden from the flax doth spin 

A golden thread and, for a moment's space. 

Gazes upon it, gently handling it, 

Then cuts the thread to its allotted length ; 

So do these sisters three the thread of life 

Draw forth from out the unknown and, for a space 

Smiling upon it, cut it to its length. 



90 SIGURD 

But to this fair presentment let's return — 
This figure of the father of the gods. 
Upon his throne in Asgard here he sits, 
Gazing, perchance, upon the world below. 
He holds within his hand a mighty spear. 
His ravens twain, Hugin and Munin wise. 
Sedately perch upon the high-backed seat ; 
While on the floor his fierce and faithful wolves 
Crouch, like great dogs, beside the monarch's feet. 
A noble broidery this, fair demoiselles, 
Well suited to the palace of a king. 

VIII 

" Red-bearded Thor, whose golden chariot leaps 
From cloud to cloud, by goats impetuous drawn, 
What time in guise of summer shower he comes, 
While heaven re-echoes with his rumbling wheels 
And trembles in affright the deluged earth — 
Red-bearded Thor, girt with the belt of strength, 
Wearing the gloves of steel wherewith he hurls 
Miolnir, his mighty hammer, which returns 
Ever when thrown, into its master's hand — 
Red-bearded Thor, blustering but well-belov'd, 
The idol of each Norseman's heart — to him 
We give all honor on the week's fifth day ! 



SIGURD AND GUDRUN 91 

Behold him now ! See how he Miolnir throws ! 
The Hghtning 'tis which from the swollen cloud 
Darts to the earth. Almost, methinks, we hear 
The roar and rumble of his chariot wheels. 

IX 
" What lovely shape is this ? 'Tis Freya fair ! 
She who in Greece was Aphrodite called — 
Venus in Rome. Goddess of Love is she, 
Sprung from the foam, child of the surging deeps, 
Forever young, forever beautiful ! 
So we have her all other things are naught, 
Who doth bestow on men the joys of heaven. 
Behold her here, wearing that necklace rare 
Of diamonds fashioned by the mountain dwarfs ! 
In this fair chariot, drawn by cats, she rides 
O'er all the world. The sixth day of the week 
To her is sacred. So these broideries say. 
But any day, methinks, we'd welcome her 
Who lights within our hearts the flame divine. 
What think you ladies ? Ah, your blushes deep 
Disclose the hidden promptings of the soul. 

X 
" Old Saturn, eldest of the gods of Rome, 
Him have we last. To him the seventh day 



92 SIGURD 

Is dedicated. Here we see him stand, 
Holding within his hand a pruning knife, 
Who first taught agriculture and the arts 
In ancient Italy. The golden days 
Were his when plenty filled the fruitful land 
And war was not — the old Saturnian Age. 
Roman, not Scandian, was this ancient god ; 
But he so well-beloved was, I trow. 
That men cared never to forget his name." 

XI 

Earl Sigurd ceased. Then thus the fair Gudrun : 

" Thanks noble lord. So erudite thou art 

We maids, sometimes, could scarcely follow thee. 

Yet did we understand, as women do. 

That what thou saidst was ever true and wise. 

Thrice valued now these broideries fair will be 

Since thou so eloquently hast rehearsed 

The story and significance of each." 

XII 

To which Earl Sigurd, " Nay, my Princess, nay. 
Thou must not flatter me. Yet if to thee 
It seem that I have earned, by my discourse. 
Some favor at thy hands, I'll name it straight. 
What sayst thou to a ramble by old Rhine ? 



SIGURD AND GUDRUN 93 

Never, since first I knew him, have appeared 
So beautiful his waters as this eve. 
See how they shine, Ht by the setting sun, 
Which soon behind yon mighty forest wall 
Will disappear, bidding adieu to earth. 
Soon falls the summer twilight on the world — 
The magic summer twilight long and sweet. 
The air is cool and pleasant. Wilt thou go?" 

XIII 

And smiled Gudrun and answered, " Aye, my lord." 

And out across the meadows went the twain. 

Leaving within the bower the damsels twelve. 

And up the path beside the golden Rhine, 

They wandered, while the day to twilight turned. 

And overhead, among the branches, sang 

The sweet-voiced birds their evening roundelays. 

XIV 

Sometimes, in this too fickle world, we see 

A youth and maiden to their hearts' first choice 

Constant, none other loving from that hour 

When first they meet till death doth part them. So 

Chances it now with Sigurd and Gudrun. 

Love at first sight : true love without a break 

Till death doth part them. Thus it is sometimes. 



VI 

IN THE ODENWALD 

I 
Now, as they hunted in the Odenwald 
One day, King Gunter to Earl Sigurd thus : 

II 
" Dost thou remember the adventure bold 
Whereof I spoke when first we met ? Since then 
Naught of the matter have my lips disclosed 
To thee, though near my heart it lies ; but now, 
To-day, as through the forest's depths we ride, 
Meseems my spirit would divulge itself. 
List to my tale and tell me then thy thought. 

Ill 
" Far off, in the great northern ocean, lies 
A sacred island, Helgoland ; of gods 
And goddesses a trysting place ; a haunt 
Beloved of Odin. Here, upon a rock. 
Circled by fire (so sing the ancient skalds). 
Sleeps Brynhild, Odin's daughter fair, erstwhile 

94 



IN THE ODENWALD 95 

A valkyr, now, for some rash, wilful act 

Of disobedience to her sire divine, 

Condemned by him to everlasting sleep. 

Yet did the All-Father this one daughter love 

More than all other of his children. Woe 

Filled, when he banished her, his mighty heart. 

And thus he tempered, so, at least, 'tis said, 

His mandate of perpetual slumber. If 

Among earth's heroes could be found a man 

Fearless enough and skilful to essay 

Successfully the wall of fire and gain 

The rock within, fair Brynhild should be his. 

Thus runs the story, and for many a year 

My heart hath brooded o'er it. Dost thou think, 

Sigurd, 'tis true, or but a poet's dream ? " 

IV 
And Sigurd answered : •' Sire, methinks 'tis true. 
Myself an hundred times have heard the tale. 
And in that seaport old, upon the coast 
Of Norroway, where I my galleys bought, 
A chart I saw which to an ancient man 
Belonged, who all his life upon the deep 
Had dwelt, half trader and half pirate red. 
A chart of that low region where the Rhine 



96 SIGURD 

Empties, through many a mouth, into the sea ; 
And Frisia's coast, with sandy isles befringed ; 
And farther east, that land of fen and fiord 
Which, jutting into ocean, northward runs 
For many a misty league ; (in shape, methinks. 
Like upcurled prow of some war-galley huge 
Breasting the North Sea's waves) that land yclept 
By Rome the Cimbric Chersonese, where dwell 
Angles and Jutlanders and Saxons bold. 
And on this chart was plotted Helgoland, 
The sacred island. He, himself, ofttimes, 
Slow-sailing by, (at least so, volubly, 
Maintained this ancient mariner) had beheld, 
Especially at night, the magic fire 
Circling the lonely clifi. And I the chart 
Purchased, thereafter, for a silver cup — 
Part of the Niblung's Hoard — and still possess. 
For ere I came to this Burgundian land 
My purpose 'twas to explore the sacred isle. 
Now, as thou knowest, except the lily maid 
Gudrun, no goddess fair do I desire." 

V 
At this the king smiled slightly, then went on : 
" Oft hath my spirit longed to make the attempt, 



IN THE ODENWALD 97 

And win the child of Odin for my bride. 
Methinks her imprisoned soul aye beckons me 
From out that ring of flame. But I — to leave 
My kingdom and upon that wild emprise 
To embark? To go upon a quest for what — 
A maid? 'Tis passing difficult. Peoples bold — 
Goths, Vandals, Franks — surround me. Far in the 

east, 
Beside the Danube, gather the restiess hordes 
Of Attila the Hun, like tempest fierce 
Soon to affright the earth. And in the south 
Rome, slowly dying, lies ; a lion old 
Beset by hungry wolves ; a conqueror once, 
Defenseless now. War, everywhere 'tis war ! 
Is't not so, Sigurd ? My duty lies at home ; 
At least, to me so seems it. To safeguard 
His kingdom is the king's first task, and ne'er 
Should private joys outweigh the public weal. 
Alas, fair Brynhild, daughter of the gods. 
Thou callst to me in vain ! 'Tis but a dream ! " 



VI 
Then Sigurd : " Sire, can I not serve thee ? Well 
Thou knowest whate'er I can I'll gladly do." 



98 SIGURD 

VII 

And Gunter answered : " Aye, if thou wilt, thou 

canst. 
Thou, Sigurd, thou art free. Already thou 
Hast left thy father's land and roamst to and fro 
Unhampered. Like the eagle's thy strong flight 
No boundaries knows. Go thou upon the quest ; 
I'll trust thee ; and bring back the valkyr maid 
To Burgundy. Hagen I'll send along; 
In peril's hour, perchance, thy life he'll keep. 
A tower of strength thou'lt find him. For reward 
Take thou the lily maiden of our realm, 
Gudrun. Methinks thine eyes have found her fair. 
Two weddings will we have on thy return — 
Brynhild and Gunter, Sigurd and Gudrun. 
What say est thou to my project, brother mine ?" 

VIII 
And Sigurd, loath to leave Gudrun, but joyed 
By this adventure bold to win his bride, 
Answered : " 'Tis a bargain. Straightway will I 

sail. 
We'll go and come before the summer dies." 



VII 
THE VALKYR 

I 

Then Sigurd his three ships made ready ; oars 
And sails were overhauled ; a pennant gay, 
Wrought by the fingers of the fair Gudrun — 
A golden fleur-de-lis on field of blue — 
The Dragon's masthead graced ; and for a cruise 
The fleet was victualed. Many a barrel stout 
Of ale and meal and salted beef and pork 
Beneath the thwarts was stowed ; and water casks, 
Filled from the sparkling Rhine, were not forgot. 
And when all things were ready and the day 
Dawned brightly of departure came the king, 
With all his court, down to the river bank 
To say good-bye. And at the last there stood 
Together, in a little group apart, 
Gunter and Hagen, Sigurd and Gudrun. 
And Sigurd grasped King Gunter's hand and then, 
Before the eyes of all, stooping, he kissed, 
Upon her dewy lips, the sweet Gudrun — 

99 



loo SIGURD 

BetrothM lovers' parting kiss — a draught 
Wherein, in equal quantities, are mixed 
Sweetness and sorrow, bitterness and bliss. 
Then Sigurd straightway sought his dragon ship, 
And with him went the dark Burgundian knight, 
Hagen, and on the after-deck they stood 
Together, waving farewells to the shore. 
And when, beyond her ken, the last dim sail 
Had vanished, o'er the spirit of Gudrun 
Black grief descended and, all desolate, — 
Her life a world without its sun — she wept. 

II 
Then down the winding Rhine the little fleet, 
Past lands of friends and foemen, made its way ; 
And, reaching open sea, the Frisian coast — 
Low-lying, fringed with many a sandy isle — 
Skirted (as by the ancient trader's chart 
Directed) and then left the land behind, 
Northward and eastward steering, till at last, 
Out of the level ocean Sigurd saw 
The red cliffs of the sacred island rise. 
And on the island's top a ring of flame 
Burned, by the hand of Odin lit, and here, 
Within that fiery ring, so sang the skald, 



THE VALKYR loi 

Upon a rock, the valkyr, Brynhild, slept. 
And Sigurd on the sandy spit below 
His galleys beached and then, ere nightfall, bade 
His mariners their evening meal prepare. 

Ill 
Now when the early summer sun its beams 
Cast o'er the sea and dyed to deeper red 
The ruddy cliffs of Helgoland uprose 
Sigurd and Hagen and, upon the sands 
Leaving the busy, bustling crews, essayed 
The steep ascent to Brynhild's rocky bower. 
Sheer from the sea on every side upsprang 
This island height, but Sigurd found a path, 
Unseen at first, which, starting from the beach. 
In many a zigzag, to the summit clomb ; 
And up this path he, leading, made his way. 
But Hagen, heavy and of foot unsure. 
Though long he strove, at last, from very fear 
Of loss of limb or life, gave up the attempt. 
And all chagrined, sat down upon the sand. 

IV 

Now as he neared the summit a gray cloud 
Enveloped Sigurd and with slower steps 
He clambered till, all suddenly, he beheld. 



I02 SIGURD 

Barring his pathway, lurid in the mist, 

The wall of fire which girt the valkyr maid. 

And as he for a moment paused a shape 

Unearthly close beside him he perceived ; 

A shape seen once before by him, what time, 

In the deep forest, Fafnir's lair he sought ; 

A shape one-eyed and huge, with great slouched hat 

Topping its golden locks, and a blue cloak 

Covering its shoulders. Odin 'twas, in truth : 

Odin, All-Father, watching o'er his child. 

Thus then the god : " Whither away, my lad ? 

What seekst thou on this hilltop ? " And to him 

Sigurd replied : " The valkyr maid I seek, 

Brynhild, whom on this rocky island-height, 

Girt by a wall of living fire, thy hand 

Hath prisoned ! " Then the god Valhallan thus : 

" Woe — woe she'll bring thee, Sigurd. Would that I 

Power had to stop thee, but the mystic Norns 

Have willed it, and no man escapes his fate. 

Woe brings the valkyr maiden — woe and death 1 " 

But Sigurd : " Unto Gunter have I pledged 

My word. I've sworn to fetch the maiden back." 

Then Odin : " Aye, the hour foretold hath come. 

'Tis written in the book of Fate that thou, 

And thou alone, shouldst set the maiden free. 



THE VALKYR 103 

Go on, my lad. Thy promise keep. What comes 
Must come. Yon wall of magic fire which lifts 
So terribly its forked crest and bars 
Against all other men this mountain top 
Thee cannot harm. Fear not, my lad. Farewell !" 
With that he vanished. Then into the flame 
Plunged Sigurd, sword in hand, and from the flame 
Issued, upon the other side, unscathed. 

V 

Now when into that silent spot — that isle 

By fiery billows girt — had Sigurd come 

His eyes beheld, within a craggy niche. 

O'er which an ancient pine-tree sentry stood, 

The figure of the valkyr maiden couched 

Upon a moss-grown rock. Closed were her eyes 

As if in sleep ; her tresses beautiful 

From underneath her winged helmet fled 

Adown the mossy pillow ; her long shield 

Covered her body ; and her valkyr spear 

Beside her rested. Motionless she lay 

As in some stately mausoleum lies 

A sculptured form of marble. Thus, for years 

Unnumbered had she slept, by Odin's power 

Preserved from perils of the earth and air — 



I04 SIGURD 

Fair daughter of the father of the gods. 
And Sigurd, lifting up the shield, beheld 
A maiden-form in snow-white samite gowned, 
But bodiced in a warrior's byrnie bright. 
And, for a time, all motionless he stood, 
Gazing upon the sight, and in his mind 
What next to do revolving. Then beside 
The moss-grown rock falling upon one knee — 
E'en as 'twas written in the book of Fate — 
He kissed the cold lips of the valkyr maid. 

VI 

As, at the kiss of spring-time, open wide 
The violet's eyes, so now, at Sigurd's kiss. 
Opened the blue eyes of the valkyr maid : 
And as, in April, through all nature runs 
Newjife and warmth, and sleeping earth awakes, 
So now, through Brynhild's sleeping form new life 
Surged warm and, like sweet April, she awoke. 



VII 

" Who art thou that above me bendest ? Naught 

Remember I since to this lonely isle 

My father Odin brought me, and with fire 



THE VALKYR 105 

Begirt the rocky couch whereon I lay. 
Who art thou ? And whence comest thou ? Answer 
mel" 



VIII 
Thus spake the valkyr maiden ; and to her 
Sigurd replied : " My name is Sigurd. Thee 
I sought that I might bear thee to the land 
Of the Burgundians. Gunter waits thee there. 
A noble king doth crave thee for his bride." 

IX 
" And hast thou, then, a bride already ? " Thus 
Brynhild. And Sigurd answered : " Nay, fair maid, 
No bride have I. Yet do I hope, ere long, 
A bride to claim. When thou dost Gunter wed, 
On that same day weds Gunter's sister me : 
Gudrun, the lily maid of Burgundy." 



X 

This hearing, from her couch the valkyr rose 
And, leaving spear and shield behind her, passed 
From out the grotto — silent — pale — and stood 
A little space away. Then thus she spoke : 



io6 SIGURD 

XI 
" And hath it come to this ? Alas ! Alas ! 
Must I, a daughter of the mighty gods, 
Be wedded to this mortal who, although 
A king he calls himself, is but a churl 
To me ? O, father Odin, was my fault 
So grievous ? Have I not enough atoned ? 
My punishment is more than I can bear ! " 

XII 
So saying, in her hands she bowed her head, 
Crowned by the winged helmet, and with tears 
Bitter bewailed her miserable lot. 

XIII 

Then Sigurd gently to the maiden spoke : 

" Weep not, sweet lady. 'Tis the way of life. 

What man is free ? What woman ? All are slaves. 

Are not the mighty gods, e'en like ourselves, 

Bound by the chains of Fate? In Odin's heart 

Reigns not deep ceaseless sorrow ? Aye, my girl. 

If he, thy father, to this lot consigned 

His best-beloved daughter 'twas because 

Unto his eyes no other way appeared. 

Brynhild, weep not, but drink the cup which Fate 

Sets to thy lips and, though it be bitter, smile 



THE VALKYR 107 

And make the most of life. Unto us all, 

Both gods and men, 'tis mystery. Come, sweet 

maid. 
Far from this lonely mountain summit, down 
Into the world, we'll go, and thou, once more, 
Shalt live, e'en though within a lowlier sphere 
Confined. Behold, the magic fire is dead 
Which erstwhile girt thee round, and from this cliff 
Thine eyes can see my galleys on the beach. 
Soon in the deep blue water will they ride 
Once more, as toward the fair Burgundian shores 
Brynhild they bear. And in that alien land, 
Whate'er betide thee, thy unfaltering friend, 
True as the magnet to the steel, I'll be. 
Come, Brynhild, come. Forget thy valkyr life. 
Or, rather, forget not, but let it be 
A golden memory which, like a fair lamp. 
Shall light thy soul in many a dreary hour. 
And in that future vast toward which we move — 
Of which, e'en now, we are a part — perchance 
Thou to those higher regions shaft return. 
And of that freer life once more partake ; — 
A valkyr, bearing to Valhalla's halls. 
With tender, ministering hands, the souls 
Of heroes in their earthly fight o'erwhelmed." 



io8 SIGURD 

XIV 

*' Like Bragi dost thou speak ; like Bragi, god ' 
Of eloquence and poetry and song. 
Methinks, some day, thou wilt be one of those 
Who sit around my father Odin's board." 

XV 
Thus Brynhild ; and to her Sigurd replied : 
" Perchance, then, in that life to come, amidst 
Valhalla's glories, once more will we meet. 
But, whatsoe'er the future brings, thy path 
To-day leads toward the Rhine. Is it not so ? 
Believe me, Brynhild, there's no other way." 

XVI 
She bowed assent ; and down the ruddy cliflfs, 
Each ever and anon the other's hand 
Clasping, they went ; he out into the world 
Unknown that haughty spirit leading, once 
A valkyr, now a woman. And within 
The cabin of the Dragon (which, betimes, 
E'en by Gudrun's deft hands, had been prepared 
For this fair guest, with tapestries all hung. 
And stored with gowns and gems such as befit 
A maiden's bower) he placed her, and himself 



THE VALKYR 109 

And Hagen on the after-deck above, 

Out where the winds and waters sang, abode. 

XVII 

Then o'er the deep the Dragon led the way, 
The Wolf and Bear close following, and astern — 
Bereft henceforward of their crown of fire — 
Faded the ruddy cliffs of Helgoland. 



VIII 
SIGURD AND GUNTER 

I 

" Now comes once more the ancient feast of Yule, 

Now comes once more that joyous festival 

Which men, from immemorial time, have held 

Supreme, above all others taking rank. 

And justly, so it ever seemed to me. 

For what is it we celebrate ? Is't not 

A heavenly circumstance of import high 

All slighter things transcending ? Is it not 

The time when the great Sun, the wheel of fire, 

The source of light and life and all that is. 

The golden symbol of All-Father's eye. 

Ceases henceforward to withdraw himself 

(Each daily visit briefer than the last) 

And, turning in his course, all reconciled. 

Comes back to earth with ever-lengthening strides :— 

With outstretched arms and kindly-beaming face 

Comes back once more to earth, in darkness wrapt 

Perpetual but for him ; darkness like that 

no 



SIGURD AND GUNTER iii 

Which in the shadowy halls of Hela reigns — 
Pale goddess subterrene, whose realms receive 
The souls of the unrighteous after death ? 
Aye, this it is we celebrate ; this hour 
Supreme, with brightest consequences fraught. 
A season for rejoicing, then, is Yule ; 
A season, therefore, so it seems to me, 
Well-fitted for our nuptials. What thinkst thou ? " 



II 
Thus Gunter, King of the Burgundians, spoke 
To Sigurd as, within a spacious room 
Of that old Roman palace by the Rhine, 
Beside a fire of mighty logs, they stood. 

Ill 
And Sigurd answered : " Sire, betrothed am I 
To thy fair sister and, like lovers all. 
Too soon for me the happy wedding day. 
E'en though it were to-morrow, cannot come." 

IV 
To whom then Gunter thus, whose cloudy brow 
Bespoke the troubled soul which dwelt within : 



112 SIGURD 

" Like thine is my desire, and 'twas my plan 
To celebrate our nuptials, thine and mine, 
Close-following the return from Helgoland. 
But ever more the haughty valkyr maid, 
With this and that excuse, hath put me off, 
Till ' nay,' at last, no longer could she speak, 
And hath at Yule-tide promised to me mine. 
Methinks, sometimes, she loves me not ; and yet 
Her deeply do I love. My brightest dreams 
Of what she'd be, compared with what she is, 
Were like the frescoed figure on the wall 
Matched with the beauty of the living maid ; 
And for the hour which makes us one I long. 
And yet, if she doth love me not, what good ? 
'Tis but the shadow that I clasp ; 'tis but 
The garment of the soul, however fair, 
That mine becomes ; the substance hath es- 
caped. 
Would that her valkyr spirit I could win. 
And merge her life with mine 1 But, ah, to love 
Brings not love in return, and marble-cold 
Meseems she stands — far, far beyond my reach. 
Alas, the poorest swain who ploughs the earth. 
Or sails the sea, and holds some woman's heart 
All, all his own, is happier far than I." 



SIGURD AND GUNTER 113 

V 

He ceased and gazing out upon the Rhine 

Remained, all silent, for a little space, 

Then spoke again : " Nathless our wedding day 

We'll celebrate, my Sigurd, thou and I : 

Perchance with better knowledge of her spouse 

Brynhild may love me better. As for thee 

Already art thou sun and moon and stars 

And heaven's transcendent brightness to Gudrun." 



IX 

YULE-TIDE AT THE COURT OF KING 
GUNTER 

(Including the Song of Olaf the Red) 
I 

Yule-tide I And in King Gunter's palace reigns 
Revelry such as ne'er before was seen, 
By oldest graybeard, in all Burgundy 1 
For is it not the hour auspicious, set 
E'en by the merry-hearted king himself, 
When here have met, from far and near, the guests 
To celebrate, with feasting and with song, 
After the manner of the olden time. 
The double wedding ? Is it not the hour 
Blest by the presence of all-knowing Var, 
Goddess of marriage, who to lovers' vows 
Listens attentive, and who broken troth 
Doth ever punish ? Is it not the hour 
Dedicate not alone to love's delights 
But also to the gayeties of Yule — 
Mad, merry Yule ? Let laughter unconfined 
Reign, therefore, and illimitable joy ! 

114 



YULE-TIDE AT KING GUNTER'S COURT 115 

II 
Now are the guests all gathered in the hall, 
Which almost like the greenwood doth appear, 
With holly hung and sacred mistletoe. 
Now ready are the harpers with their harps, 
And lighted are the mighty logs of Yule. 
Now, wreathed in green, an apple in his mouth, 
As ancient custom bids, and borne aloft 
By lackeys tall, the smoking Boar's Head comes. 

Ill 

Upon the dais, with the merry court 
To right and left, and guests resplendent, sat 
Gunter and Brynhild, Sigurd and Gudrun. 
Brightly upon the finger of each bride 
Sparkled the wedding-ring ; on Brynhild's brow. 
Marking before the world her queenly state. 
Glittered a golden crown with diamonds set ; 
And round the white neck of Gudrun, the gift 
Of Sigurd, hung a string of lustrous pearls. 
Precious beyond compare, chief ornament 
Of the dark Niblung's Hoard. As mariner 
Watches, by night, the Cynosure, his eyes 
Ever to it returning, so all eyes 
In that great hall the bridal-party watched ; 



ii6 SIGURD 

Ever returning, irresistibly 

Drawn from all other things of lesser note, 

To dwell upon that constellation bright. 

IV 
Below, at the great table, filled with cheer, 
Which ran the whole length of the mighty hall 
From door to dais, Gunter's men-at-arms 
Feasted with merry din ; and them among. 
Each tar between two spearmen, that the guest 
Might want for nothing, Sigurd's vikings sat. 
E'en thus, upon that memorable night 
When first they met, six months ago, they sat. 
In golden summer when the days were long. 
And round and round the mighty drinking-horns 
Passed with the nut-brown ale or sparkling mead. 
Passed, with their precious freight, from lip to lip, 
Ever to be replenished and repass. 
Filled from great casks within the cellar stored. 
And Norseman and Burgundian drank "Was- 

hael ! " 
Each to the other, and ere the bearded lips 
Were dry, " Skoel to the viking ! " and again 
" Prosit ! " and mellow friendship ruled the hour, 
For Bacchus doth make brothers of us all. 



YULE-TIDE AT KING GUNTER'S COURT 117 

And in the middle of the wassail, lo ! 

Twelve harpers good, beside the dais stair 

Stationed, where all could hear their symphonies. 

Struck string and, to their music keeping step. 

Entered King Momus, from a hidden door 

Issuing upon the hall — Lord of Misrule — 

Followed apace by all his motley crew. 

And some — like Momus, sovereign lord, himself- — 

Were masked and others like the foolish clown 

Painted who to this day, at merry Yule, 

Disports with columbine and harlequin. 

And round and round the mighty hall they went. 

As mummers will, with all extravagance ; 

These marching with a mock solemnity, 

Those — men and maidens in apparel gay — 

Their skill terpsichorean setting forth 

In pantomimic dance fantastical. 

And others yet to wake the mirthful laugh 

Seeking with antics of the primal fool — 

Horse-play and somersaults, coarse mimicry. 

Tooting of horns and many another trick 

Ancient as is the zany's ancient art. 

And when, at last, it seemed that long enough 

Had folly and unreason gross held sway, 

Gunter a signal gave, and the twelve skalds 



ii8 SIGURD 

Their music ceased. And as a fair jet d'eau, 
Rising from sculptured fountain high in air, 
Suddenly falls when cut off is the stream, 
So, suddenly, when the music ended, ceased 
The hurly-burly in King Gunter's hall. 
And at the oaken board old Momus found 
A vacant place, and of his mummers some 
Beside him perched and others round about 
Or sat or lay upon the rush-strewn floor. 

V 
Then, at the bidding of the king, stept forth. 
With harp in hand, from out the throng of skalds, 
An ancient bard, Olaf the Red yclept. 
Who had with Sigurd from the Northland come. 
White were his locks as those of Hoder old, 
Though ruddy as the beard of Thor they'd been 
In younger days, when he his surname got. 
Noble his bearing. One of those was he 
Who voice the passions of the human heart, 
Or paint the deeds of the heroic past. 
One of that gifted company (although 
Naught but a lowly neophyte) to which 
Belong great Homer and the Mantuan bard 
Illustrious, high priests of the epic muse. 



YULE-TIDE AT KING GUNTER'S COURT 119 

Oft in the presence of the enemy's fleet 
His battle song he'd sung, or at the feasts 
Of kings chanted adventures wild and weird. 
Of gods and goddesses to-night he sang, 
And chiefly of that valiant deity 
Who ever with the mountain giants fought — 
Bluff Thor, the idol of all Scandian hearts. 



{The Song of Olaf the Red) 

VI 

Thus ran his song. Once did the green-haired 

god 
Who dwells within the illimitable deep, 
^gir, prepare a banquet for the gods 
Whose home is highest heaven ; and to the halls 
Of ocean came, a glorious company. 
Upon the day appointed for the event. 
The mighty ones of Asgard. Round the board 
Of ^gir now they sit, those peerless ones, 
Drinking the nut-brown ale and foaming mead. 
Behold, upon the right hand of the host, 
Odin enthroned, father of gods and men. 
Ruler of heaven and earth, whose will is law 
Through all the vast expanse save when athwart 



I20 SIGURD 

The purposes it runs of the pale Norns, 
The sisters three inscrutable who sit 
Beside the ash-tree Ygdrasil and hold 
Within their hands the thread of every life : 
The sisters three of Fate unchangeable — 
The Past, the Present and the Future — Urd, 
Verdandi, Skuld — them — them alone he dreads ; 
The mystic ones who sit above the gods, 
And the beginning and the end behold 
Of all created things. Pleasure to-day 
Lights the All-Father's visage, where doth dwell 
Sadness too often, sadness at the lot 
Of human kind. Gracious his mien divine, 
As in the halls of ^gir now he sits. 
Amongst the gods and goddesses, his mead 
Nectarean drinking, and ever and anon 
Feeding with morsels from the banquet board 
His ravens twain, Hugin and Munin, who 
Him tidings bring from earth's remotest parts, 
Or bear his mandate to contending hosts. 
Upon the high back of their master's chair 
Now rest these sable messengers, while crouch 
About the monarch's feet, like faithful dogs. 
The two gray wolves who ever him attend. 
Them likewise doth he feed with morsels rare. 



YULE-TIDE AT KING GUNTER'S COURT 121 

VII 

Beside the wise All-Father Frigga sits, 
His spouse and queen, goddess of wedded love. 
Of spotless chastity, and motherhood. 
And all the sacred virtues of the home. 
Stern guardian of the marriage bond is she. 
And oft her voice upbraiding Odin hears. 
For hard it is Frigga to always please. 
Nathless no hypocrite is Odin's queen. 
A virtuous wife she dwells beside her lord, 
And in her life exemplifies her words. 

VIII 
Next to his mother Frigga now behold 
Bright Balder ; he of all the mighty gods 
The best-beloved and most beautiful. 
God of the Sun, lord of the summer-time, 
The source of light and life and all things fair, 
Who doth not Balder love ? In all this world. 
So sang the ancient skalds, naught could be found. 
Nor man, nor beast, nor bird, nor stock, nor stone. 
That loved not Balder : naught save one small shrub. 
The mistletoe yclept ; and with a twig 
From this ill-fated plant, thrown by the hand 
Of Hoder blind (whom Loki's wicked spleen 



122 SIGURD 

Trickt to the deed) was beauteous Balder slain. 

Yet doth he rise each year from Hela's gloom, 

Renewed, immortal, glorious as of old, 

God of the summer sunshine evermore. 

Close by his side the gentle Nanna sits, 

His faithful spouse who, when bright Balder died, 

Herself — who did subsist upon his love — 

Perished of sorrow inconsolable. 

Yet like her lord from Hela doth she rise, 

What time the golden spring returns to earth, 

Holp from those gloomy depths by his strong arm. 

IX 
Tyr next we see, the one-armed god of war, 
His missing limb by the fierce Fenris wolf 
Torn from his body. For when the Asgard gods 
Sought to securely bind the Fenris Wolf — 
(Which is a symbol of devouring fire. 
All-devastating, uncontrollable) 
Ne'er would he stand at rest unless a god. 
As pledge of fair intent, would place his arm 
Betwixt the creature's jaws. This then did Tyr. 
But when the wolf, betrayed and bound at last. 
His fate perceived he, in revengeful rage, 
Tyr's arm tore off below the elbow joint. 



YULE-TIDE AT KING GUNTER'S COURT 123 

Thus Tyr, to save the world, gave up his arm, 
And if 'twere needful, would have given his life, 
As ever have the brave, or gods or men. 
Done, without question, for the common-weal. 

X 
Here likewise Loki sits, the god perverse, 
The mischief-maker sly, the evil one. 
Scofler at all things by the gods held good, 
Father of lies, of wickedness the source. 
If trouble came 'twas ever Loki's fault, 
If discord rose false Loki was the cause. 
Evil to him seemed good, and what the gods 
Eschewed as wicked aye was his delight. 
So full of all perverseness was his heart. 
Him did the gods of Asgard for a while 
Suffer to roam at will through earth and heaven, 
But came a time when e'en the All-Father wise 
Lost patience with his son and to a rock 
Fast chained him, with a viper overhead, 
Which ever dropt its poison on his breast. 
But who so wicked that no woman's heart 
He hath to love him ? None — nor man nor god. 
And to the rock with Loki went his wife 
Siguna, and beside him ever sits, 



124 SIGURD 

Catching the viper's poison in a cup, 
Ere on her husband's naked breast it falls. 



XI 

And here, a deity benign, sits Frey, 

To whom the Scandian farmer ever prays 

For plenteous crops ; who rain and sunshine 

sends. 
Each as 'tis needed, and propitious airs, 
And at the last a harvest bountiful. 
The son of Niord, an ancient ocean god, 
Who ruled the coasts as ^gir ruled the deep, 
Was Frey, and fair his sister as himself, 
Freya, aye fairer, for in heaven or earth 
What lovelier thing than Freya doth exist. 
Goddess of youth and beauty and of love ? 
Behold them sitting now in ^gir's hall, 
Freya and Frey, the children beautiful 
Whom Niord unto the gods of Asgard gave ! 
As in a brooch a pearl of ocean shines 
Among a score of gems (though past all price 
These others be, yet none is like the pearl 
In lustre soft and milk-white loveliness) 
So doth this daughter of the ocean god, 
This foam-sprung Aphrodite of the north, 



YULE-TIDE AT KING GUNTER'S COURT 125 

Among the mighty ones of Asgard shine, 
Forever young, forever beautiful. 



XII 
And here, long-bearded, like the bard who tells 
This tale to-night in Gunter's palace, sits 
Bragi, of song and eloquence the god. 
A wondrous harp within his hand he holds, 
And ofttimes to the gods and goddesses 
He sings, and of all skalds the best is he. 
Next to him sits his spouse, Iduna fair. 
She who the apples of immortal life 
Doth keep. For when the gods and goddesses 
Aweary are, and feel the hand of Time 
Bearing upon them, straightway do they seek 
That garden where Iduna's apples grow. 
Which having eaten, youth returns again. 
So wondrous potent is the golden fruit. 

XIII 
Here likewise Vidar sits, the silent one. 
Who doth the deep primeval forest love. 
Seldom among the gods to banquet board 
He comes, but in the impenetrable wood 
Abides by preference ; and when in the halls 



126 SIGURD 

Of Asgard, or on Ida's flowery plain, 
At times, he shows, always an air he hath 
Distrait, as though within the silent wood, 
Rather than in the glittering palaces 
Among the Asas bright, he longed to be. 
But ^gir doth he love, and to the feast 
Of ocean's god hath come — a happy guest — 
And in his rightful place he sits to-day. 

XIV 
And ancient Hoenir likewise here doth sit, 
And Vali strong, and wise Forseti, god 
Of justice, who all rulers doth inspire 
That seek his aid ; lies cannot them deceive, 
But even-handed justice they dispense ; 
And Heimdal, keeper of the rainbow bridge 
O'er which the gods and goddesses to earth 
Descend and, when their missions are fulfilled, 
Ascend, a bright procession, to the skies ; 
And Hoder blind, that god unfortunate 
Who, trickt by Loki's mischief-making guile, 
The beauteous Balder slew ; and Hermod swift, 
Who to the gloomy gates of Hela's realm 
Descended, and that goddess importuned, 
For many days, bright Balder to release. 



YULE-TIDE AT KING GUNTER'S COURT 127 

But no — all unavailing was his quest ; 

And Rinda, goddess of the wintry earth ; 

And Uller, bowman famous, who to hunt 

On snow-shoes o'er the white snow-surface loves. 

These and yet other gods and goddesses 

Of rank distinguished, now within the halls 

Of JEg'iT sit — a glorious company. 

XV 
Last but not least, here sits the Thunder-God, 
Impetuous, fierce, yet kind of heart withal ; 
The hero of a hundred cherished tales 
Told by the saga-man in smoky hall. 
Or chanted by the bard at banquet board, 
Or crooned by Norseland mother to her child ; 
Here now he sits who with the giants huge 
Doth ever love to fight, and goblins fierce ; 
Red-bearded Thor, of all the many sons 
Of Odin, nearest to the Norseman's heart. 

XVI 
Now in the middle of the mighty feast, 
As round and round the foaming horns of ale 
Were passing, and in every heart joy reigned. 
The green-haired ^gir thus addressed his guests. 



128 SIGURD 

XVII 

" Vast are my stores of mead and ale and none 
Has ever from my table thirsty gone, 
But I of something better far have heard 
Than these great horns which, fix it as we may, 
Ever and ever must replenished be. 
Something it is, in truth, most wonderful. 
Not understandable the thing by me. 
And yet assured am I it doth exist." 

XVIII 
He paused a moment ; on the ancient god 
All eyes were turned ; then slowly he went on. 

XIX 
" What say ye, Asas, to a wondrous cup, 
Which none can drain, made by the cunning dwarfs 
Who dwell within the bowels of the earth? 
A vessel from whose depths the fragrant ale 
Forever issues, foaming like a force ? 
A magic goblet which nor man nor god 
Nor mountain giant horrible and huge 
Can empty, though from eve to morn he drink. 
And then again from morn till dusky eve ? 
What say ye, Asas, to a cup like this?" 



YULE-TIDE AT KING GUNTER'S COURT 129 

XX 

His emerald locks the King of Ocean shook, 
Smiled to himself and then again went on. 



XXI 
" Far in the north 'tis held, this magic cup. 
And would ye know, ye gods and goddesses, 
Who dwell in heaven, and tread the flowery plains 
Of Ida, and upon the rainbow bridge 
Descend, a bright procession, or ascend, 
And drink the mead of Odin, would ye know 
What churl profane hath gotten this rare prize ? 
Old Skrymer, of the mountain giants king ! 
By him and them and all their kin 'tis used — 
A jewel bright within the snouts of swine. 
By heavens ! Old though I be, I've often thought 
Myself would some day strive, by craft or force, 
To get possession of this wondrous cup. 
What think ye, Asas ? 'Twere a glorious deed." 

XXII 
Intently listened all. Then from his seat 
Uprose the thunder-god — red-bearded Thor — 
And thus, with many a fiery gesture, spake. 



I30 SIGURD 

XXIII 

" To me belongs this deed. To me who aye 
Have fought with giants and hobgoblins fierce ! 
Their tricks I know : their deep deceptive ways. 
'Tis ever my delight to harass them. 
Therefore if me the All-Father will permit, 
Straightway, ye gods, I'll go upon this quest." 

XXIV 

He ceased, and thus the king of gods and men. 

*' Brave words are these, my Thor ; brave words, 

my son. 
But ever thou wast daring, and a deed 
Like this did ever to thy heart appeal. 
Go. Smite the giants, and bring back the cup." 

XXV 
Then from the banquet of the gods went forth 
Red-bearded Thor, blustering and full of wrath. 
Miolner he seized ; and soon his golden car 
Leaped to the clouds, by goats impetuous drawn. 
His hammer first to right and then to left 
He hurled in fierce delight ; his chariot wheels 
Rumbled amidst the clouds ; and from the plain 
The sons of men beheld the storm rush by. 
So went god Thor against his giant foes. 



YULE-TIDE AT KING GUNTER'S COURT 131 

XXVI 

Now northward and yet northward sped the god 

Until at last the utmost boreal point 

Of Scandian land he reached — that wedge-like cape 

Which juts into the lonely polar sea. 

And here, within a subterranean hall 

Enormous, many a rood in length and breadth, 

The giant Skrymer dwelt. Into that hall 

Strode, all impetuous, the thunder-god, 

Miolner in hand. Here, at a table long, 

The giants sat, old Skrymer at its head. 

To whom god Thor, with crafty, flattering words. 

XXVII 
" Hail Skrymer, of the mountain giants king ! 
(For that I now behold that monarch great 
Of whose brave deeds my ears have ofttimes heard 
I cannot doubt.) Hail all ye courtiers fair ! 
Upon a quest of import high I come, 
Commissioned by the father of the gods, 
Odin, than whom no greater name exists 
In heaven or earth or Hela's realms below : 
A quest of import but most difficult. 
And therefore your assistance now I crave. 
A wondrous cup I seek which, so 'tis said, 



132 SIGURD 

No god can empty though from eve to morn 
He drink, and then again from morn till eve. 
No god can empty it, and yet, methinks, 
'Twould be an easy task for one of you, 
For giants in a mightier mould are made." 

XXVIII 

He ceased : o'er Skrymer's visage crept a smile 
As to the fulsome flattery of the god 
He listened : then the giant thus replied, 

XXIX 

" Welcome art thou, O Thor, to giant land ! 
Welcome to this, our banquet hall ! The cup 
Which none can empty, and which now thou seekst, 
Mine eyes have seen. Yea, from its brim my lips 
Have drank the magic ale which bubbles forth. 
But let's of that hereafter. Sit thee down 
Among us, and be merry with the rest, 
Drinking the liquor which ourselves have brewed. 
None better comes, e'en from the enchanted cup." 

XXX 

So saying, to a place at his right hand 

He motioned, and ere little time had passed 

God Thor was feasting with his giant foes. 



YULE-TIDE AT KING GUNTER'S COURT 133 

XXXI 

Now when their fill this glorious company 

Had drank and eaten, Skrymer thus addressed 

His Asa guest. " Some feats of strength and skill, 

To while away the night, we ofttimes have. 

What sayst thou, Thor ? Thou art the honored guest. 

Thyself, therefore, must have the premier trial. 

Here is a cup filled to the brim with ale. 

Do thou now empty it. A test it is 

Of manhood with us giants. At one draught 

Most of us drain it, but in two, at most, 

The weakest of our band can finish it." 

XXXII 
With smile of confidence the Asa took 
The cup within his hands, then to his lips 
Placed it, and with a mighty effort drank, 
Seeking in one long draught to empty it. 
But though he drank till all his breath was gone 
Scarce had the liquor sank below the brim. 

XXXIII 

Old Skrymer smiled. " Methinks our honored guest 
Two drinks will need in which to drain the cup. 
Nay, do not be discouraged. Try again." 



134 SIGURD 

XXXIV 

But though again and yet again he strove, 
The god of thunder could not drain the cup. 
Nay, scarce the Hquor sank below the brim. 

XXXV 
Then Skrymer thus : " Perchance some other feat 
The god can better do — some easier thing. 
A black cat have we here. Methinks to lift 
This cat from off the floor were no hard task." 



XXXVI 

Crestfallen Thor the cat essayed to lift. 

But though he strove with all his might and main, 

Barely to move one foot from off the floor 

Took all the strength he had. Strange did it seem. 

XXXVII 

Then Skrymer smiled, and once again he spoke. 
" Much have I heard of Asa Thor — his strength, 
His reckless courage and his wondrous deeds. 
And yet some little feat, such as a child 
Were equal to, he cannot now perform. 
Methinks his prowess has been overpraised. 



YULE-TIDE AT KING GUNTER'S COURT 135 

However, one more trial of strength we'll have — 
Perchance his reputation he'll retrieve. 
Come hither, nurse, and with this god contend. 
A wrestling match we'll have. Methinks in this — 
A noble sport, — our guest doth all excel." 



XXXVIII 

As thus he spoke a pale and withered hag 
Hobbled across the hall and grappling Thor 
Within her arms (though with all strength the god 
Struggled to free himself from her embrace) 
Lifted him from his feet. Then to the floor 
Tost him, as though a feather in her hands. 

XXXIX 
Loud laughed the giants all. But Skrymer led 
Back to his seat the god. " No more we'll mar, 
With these rough tricks, our hospitality. 
Come, brothers, to this Asa brave let's drink 
Good health and happiness ; and may he bear 
To all who dwell in Asgard's shining halls. 
Ana on the flowery plains of Ida meet 
For interchange of thought and converse wise, 
Best wishes from the giants of the north." 



136 SIGURD 

XL 

Now when it came Thor's time to go uprose 
All those huge giants and did him salute. 
(Three times the height of mortal men they stand) 
But Skrymer out into the open air — 
Where waited for the god his goat-drawn car — 
Passed with him and, when quite alone they were, 
Thus spoke. " Be not down-hearted, Asa Thor, 
That in those feats such showing poor thou madest. 
In truth, 'twas all enchantment. The gold cup 
Thou couldst not empty, from the mighty deep 
Its liquor drew (though changed to foaming ale 
Was this by witchcraft) and when thou didst drink 
The sea ran backward from the sandy shore 
E'en as the tide doth ebb, and on the beach 
The graybeards stood, watching in wonderment 
That ocean thus, all out of time, should ebb. 
The cat thou soughtst to lift was not a cat. 
But the great Midgard Serpent who beneath 
The illimitable ocean ever dreams. 
To wake not till the Day of Ragnorok ; 
And when one paw thy Asa strength did lift, 
Methough the ending of all things had come. 
And the beshriveled hag who threw thee down, 
Dost think she was a common beldame ? Nay. 



YULE-TIDE AT KING GUNTER'S COURT 137 

Old Age she was, who conquers every one. 
Well, therefore, Thor, didst thou acquit thyself, 
Almost to accomplish the impossible. 
Lives not, in earth or heaven, a braver soul. 
And, as a mark of my sincere regard. 
This magic goblet, from whose depths the ale 
Forever flows, on thee I now bestow. 
Already in the banquet hall thy lips 
Have proved its wondrous capabilities." 



XLI 
So saying, in the hands of Thor he placed 
The magic cup ; but ere the astonished god 
Could voice his thanks, old Skrymer in the air 
Had vanished, for in all illusions strange. 
And every kind of witchcraft was he wise. 

XLII 

Then to his golden car the thunder-god 
Turned, and re-entered, and his restless goats 
Swift-mounted to the clouds, as toward the hall 
Of yEgir now the happy Asa sped. 
Bearing within his hands .the magic cup. 

{End of the Song of Olaf the Red ) 



138 SIGURD 

XLIII 

The minstrel ceased, and through the banquet hall 
Rang mighty plaudits of the voice and hand. 
And when the din had somewhat slackened rose 
King Gunter from his seat beside his bride, 
High on the dais, and with words of praise 
Olaf saluted, and a purse of gold 
Likewise bestowed upon the famous bard. 
Then round the board the horns of nut-brown ale 
Resumed their journey, and the mighty logs 
Brighter and ever brighter blazed. The night 
Moved onward with a joyous majesty. 
E'en like Valhalla seemed the glittering scene — 
That glorious hall above where, after death. 
The heroes feast among the immortal gods. 

XLIV 

Thus flourished Yule-tide at King Gunter's court. 

And thus the double wedding, with all pomp. 

Was celebrated. Surely 'twas a time 

For laughter and illimitable joy — 

A marriage feast, a feast of Yule, in one. 



X 

IN THE GARDEN 

I 
Now northward once more comes the Sun, from 

climes 
Austral returning to the German land, 
And straight before his glorious presence flee 
Darkness and cold as, with a bounteous hand, 
Light he dispenses — vivifying light — 
And balmy winds, and ever-lengthening days. 
And as, in Roman triumph, at the front 
Of the long line the conqueror rides, and him 
Fair captive maidens follow, crown'd with flowers, 
So now, as up the heavenly highway rides 
Balder triumphant, in his train appears 
Bright Easter, goddess of the spring, by troupes 
Of sunny hours accompanied — maidens fair. 
Nymphs of the golden spring-time, such as wake 
The hearts of men to ecstasy — with flowers 
Bedecked and followed by melodious birds. 

139 



I40 SIGURD 

So rises Balder out of Hela's shades — 
Immortal, glorious — bringing back to earth 
Light, life and all we love. So follow him, 
Year after year, dear to the hearts of men. 
The spirits of the spring-time jubilant — 
Easter and all her nymphs — a pageant fair 1 

II 

Within her garden, at the sunset hour. 

Queen Brynhild sat ; but on her spirit fell. 

Well-nigh unheeded, all the charms of spring. 

The soft caresses of the balmy breeze. 

The upturned faces of the early flowers. 

The voices sweet of the returning birds. 

None, none could pierce the armor of her gloom. 

E'en as a mourner gazing on some show 

Beholds it not, or only half beholds. 

Conscious but dimly of the spectacle, 

So Brynhild gazed upon the earth and sky. 

Bitter her soul, brooding upon its wrong. 

Ever rebelling against fate's decree. 

And as, encompassed by her mood, she sat, 

To her King Gunter, through the palace grounds 

Slow wandering with his dogs at close of day, 

Came and, half chidingly, thus her addressed. 



IN THE GARDEN 141 

III 
" Brynhild, my queen, why dost thou ever sit 
Alone ? Why dost thou ever seek the spot 
Where none assemble ? Queens should gracious be, 
Shining, like the resplendent sun, for all ; 
Not leading lives recluse, like cloistered nuns, 
Unseen of men. Lovest thou not the gay court. 
With all its joys ? Lovest thou not Burgundy, 
Our beauteous land? Lovest thou not me, its 
king ? " 

IV 
Thus Gunter : to the valkyr's eyes a light 
Leaped like a sword flashing from out its sheath : 
Then, rising to her feet, she spoke : " What use 
Longer to play a part ? I love thee not ; 
Thee nor thy court nor Burgundy. A trick, 
Abhorred of Odin, gave me to thy arms. 
Rather upon that mountain would I sleep 
Once more, where long I slept, begirt by fire, 
Far in the northern seas, than be thy queen! 
Methinks ofttimes upon that lonely isle. 
With helmet bowed, my father Odin sits. 
Grieving upon his erring daughter's fate. 
O would that I could see once more his face, 



142 SIGURD 

E'en though by wrath and sorrow clouded o'er ! 
See as I saw it when, with waving spear, 
He cast the spell about me, and the flames 
Commanded to protect me from all harm ! 
Happier my heart to be by him condemned 
Than by the ignoble Gunter to be praised ! " 

V 
Thus Brynhild : then, like some long pent-up flood 
Bursting, at last, its barriers strong, went on : 
" I love thee not ! Art thou the hero bright 
My father Odin dreamt of when he girt 
My rocky couch with fire and sought thereby 
To save me from all men of common clay ? 
Art thou the mortal for a goddess meet ? 
Art thou the viking bold who sailed the seas. 
Seeking the sacred isle of Helgoland, 
And climbed the dizzy cliff, and through the flame 
Plunged, and the spell dissolved which held me fast ? 
To him do I belong, and not to thee, 
Ingloriously waiting by the Rhine ! 
For him was I intended. Thus 'twas planned 
By the immortal father of the gods. 
But o'er the gods the mystic sisters sit, 
Spinning the thread of Fate ; the sisters three, 



IN THE GARDEN 143 

All potent, cruel ; Urd, Verdandi, Skuld. 

And jealous of my beauty and my power 

Were they (at least, such is my thought) and sought 

Me to abase who in Valhalla's halls 

Once shone more lovely than fair Freya's self. 

And dwelt supreme in the All-Father's heart. 

Alas ! most treacherously have the dread Norns 

Dealt by me, and the purpose merciful 

Of Odin, — to preserve me from the worst, — 

Thwarted. The weakling Gunter have I got ; 

I who was meant for Sigurd. Alas I Alas 1 " 

VI 
" Lovest thou then Sigurd ? " Thus the king ; and 

him 
Answered the valkyr, haughty was her mien. 
" No man I love ; but of all earthly men 
Sigurd, the son of Sigmund, is the best ; 
And like bright Balder in the east doth shine 
Eclipsing with his light the puny stars." 

VII 
" Thou lovest Sigurd ! Aye ! " King Gunter gasped. 
" Fool, that mine eyes discerned it not before I " 



144 SIGURD 

VIII 

So saying, (like a wounded man who strives 
Steadily to walk, but staggers in his gait. 
Stunned by the shock, and faint from loss of blood,) 
King Gunter from the fatal garden passed. 
And, as he slowly trod, once round he turned 
And, looking backward wistfully, beheld, 
Lit by the last rays of the setting sun. 
Her face within her hands, as if she wept, 
Brynhild the valkyr, standing motionless. 



XI 



GUNTER'S SOLILOQUY 

I 

" Before me in the rocky isle he was, 
Before me in the valkyr's stormy heart. 
Methinks I see it all. E'en as the sun, 
Risen, doth illumine with his light a road 
Wherein by night we walked in darkness dense, 
And looking back with unobstructed eyes 
Clearly we see that road, so have her words 
Illumed the path wherein I long have trod. 
Fool ! Purblind, blundering fool ! By the dark 

clouds 
Of egotism enwrapped and vain conceit, 
Seeing not what to all other eyes was plain. 
She loves him ; she hath loved him from the first ; 
And I, the king, am naught. Aye, worse than 

naught ; 
Stupidly standing, a poor loathsome thing, 
Ever between her heart and its desire. 
Yet do I blame them not. The fault was mine, 

145 



146 SIGURD 

If fault it can be called to harbor love, 

Which comes unbidden and at his own will 

Departs. A boy capricious, as the bards 

Of Greece and Rome have ever pictured him. 

Cupid, the wandering archer, full of guile. 

She loves him ? Aye. But free from fault are 

they; 
Wholly, devotedly he loves Gudrun. 
She loves him ? Aye. But hopeless is her love ; 
E'en like mine own. Would that we ne'er had met, 
Fair Brynhild, that I ne'er had heard thy name I " 

II 
Thus Gunter with himself communed : his dream 
Vanished as vanishes, by a prickle pierced. 
The iridescent bubble in the air. 



XII 



HAGEN AND GISELHER 

I 
" Here let us sit, beneath this ancient elm 
Which once more, at the magic touch of spring, 
Bursts into bloom. Something upon my mind 
Lies which I fain would tell to thee alone." 



II 
Thus Hagen, o'er the April meadows green 
Roaming with Giselher, the king's brother, spoke. 
Then, as themselves they seated, he went on. 



Ill 
" Know that last eve, when sunset dyed the sky, 
I, wandering near the garden of the queen, 
Heard voices, or, to be more accurate, 
A woman's voice and, nearer to the spot 
Drawing, beheld King Gunter and his spouse, 

147 



148 SIGURD 

Brynhild the valkyr. He in silence stood ; 
Veliement her utterance. Much against my will 
Was it, like some low eavesdropper, to list ; 
But from the place I could not then escape, 
And forced was I to hear. This, then, the gist 
Of Brynhild' s wild tirade, — That she, in truth, 
Loved Gunter not a whit, nor ever had. 
But only Sigurd. Scarcely could my ears 
Believe the words. Thy brother, like a man 
Stabbed to the heart, with face white as a ghost, 
Listened in silence, then, some broken words 
Muttering, passed like a shadow from the spot. 
My heart wept for him. But the valkyr stood. 
Wrapped in her gloom, a statue motionless ; 
And afterward upon the garden bench 
Sitting remained till long into the night. 
Perchance she waited Sigurd there? Who 
knows?" 

IV 

" What thinkst thou, Hagen, is't an olden flame 
Long smoldering and now bursting through its 

bounds. 
Or is it something new, this love betwixt 
Queen Brynhild and the Norseman ? " Giselher thus. 



HAGEN AND GISELHER 149 

V 
To whom then Hagen : " I know not. Methinks, 
However, that upon the selfsame day 
Of their first meeting the amour began. 
False was he to the king — false to Gudrun. 
No word of mine this accusation gross 
Hath hinted until now but, ne'ertheless. 
Ever within my breast suspicion dwelt 
And would not down, and now the traitress lips 
Of Brynhild have themselves proclaimed the worst. 
This will I tell thee which I never told 
The king, thy brother. When in Helgoland 
We landed, up the cliff precipitous 
Which led to Brynhild's bower enchanted I, 
Being of body bulky, could not climb. 
And on the sandy beach was forced to wait, 
Impatiently, the upshot of the attempt. 
The meeting on the mountain top, therefore, 
I saw not, nor have I, from then till now, 
From lips of either Sigurd or the queen. 
Learned aught about it, though the livelong day. 
From morn till eve, they passed together. This 
(Perchance 'twas wrong) I never told the king, 
Fearing his deep displeasure, though, methinks, 
Sigurd he wholly trusted until now." 



I50 SIGURD 

VI 
*' Belike the Norseman's blood alone will quench 
Gunter's deep thirst for vengeance ? What thinkst 

thou?" 
Thus Giselher, and to him Hagen replied. 

VII 
" Would it were so 1 This Sigurd I love not. 
If he hath been disloyal to his king, 
Thy brother, and disloyal to his bride, 
Thy sister, then methinks his faithless life 
Were better ended. Yet I fear the trust 
Of Gunter in his friend, so absolute, 
May, e'en against the damning evidence, 
Unshaken stand. This, then, shall be our task — 
To see to it that Gunter falters not 
In wreaking vengeance on the outlander ; 
But if he weakly hesitate (his faith 
In Sigurd, spite of all appearances 
Avowing) then ourselves to strike the blow, 
For the king's honor, and for Burgundy 1 " 

VIII 
Thus Hagen, with indignant gesture, spoke, 
Feigning the old retainer's loyal rage, 



HAGAN AND GISELHER 151 

And to his eyes the light of cruel hate 
Leaped, as he spoke, like a malignant flame 
Rising from out the realms of the accurst, 
Seen for an instant, and then falling back 
Into that dread abyss where evil dwells. 

IX 
And Giselher answered, " Aye, thou speakest well." 
Gunter unlike was he, Gemot unlike. 
For they, the eldest brother and the third, 
Looked not for evil, ever holding good 
Mankind till proven base. But in the soul 
Of Giselher, the swart second son, distrust 
Dwelt, and suspicion ever on its guard. 
Doubt of all things in heaven and earth. For he, 
Looking within his own heart, guile beheld, 
And seeing it thus guileful and of trust 
Unworthy, deemed all others like himself. 

X 

Then from their seat beneath the ancient elm 
Arose these twain and o'er the meadows green 
Passed like a brace of vultures who, far off, 
Scent, with a loathsome glee, the field of blood. 



XIII 
HAGEN'S SOLILOQUY 

I 

" Had I the Niblung's Ring what wealth were 

mine ! 
What power illimitable, for wealth is power, 
And glittering gold the monarch of this world ! 
Would, therefore, that Andvari's Hoard were mine ! 
Not that soft luxury, or sweet delights 
Of love I crave, or state magnificent — 
Palace and park and garden such as those 
With which the Roman doth surround himself. 
These tempt not my stern soul. 'Tis power alone 
I covet, not its pomps and vanities. 
Mine be the cold gray steel which wins the fight, 
Not the triumphal pageant afterward. 

II 

" When Sigurd dies, and die ere long he shall, 

I'll seize from ofT his hand the Niblung's Ring, 

The golden serpent with two ruby eyes, 

152 



HAGEN'S SOLILOQUY 153 

The magic talisman which doth rule the Hoard. 
What wealth, what power, what joy will then be 
mine 1 " 

III 
Thus did the envious Hagen with his soul 
Commune, and in bright dreams himself beheld 
Possessor of the Niblung's wondrous Hoard. 






XIV 
ERDA'S PROPHECY 

I 

Now Sigurd, by forebodings vague depressed, — 
For o'er his hero-soul impending doom 
Already cast its shadow, — rose by night 
And, from the homes of men far wandering, sought, 
Within her cave upon the mountainside, 
Erda, the prophetess, that from her lips 
Inspired his lot predestined he might learn. 
Like Delphi's holy pythoness was she, 
Who, sitting on the tripod, did receive 
The oracles of the Olympian god ; 
Save that with Erda did commune no god, 
Olympian nor Valhallan, but instead 
Priestess she was of that pale trinity 
Who dwell above the gods, outside of time, 
Whose will is fate immutable and who, 
Beholding the beginning and the end. 
Foreknow the lot of each created thing : 
The Norns — the mystic sisters three — who sit 

154 



ERDA'S PROPHECY 155 

Ever beside the ash-tree Ygdrasil, 
Impassive, clothed in white, rose-garlanded, 
Singing of days gone by and days to come, 
Spinning the thread of destiny — 'twas they 
Who through the lips of Erda spake to men. 

II 
Vault-like upon the mountainside the cave 
Of Erda opened : here, at midnight, came 
Sigurd and, kneeling in the entrance, thus 
Addressed the priestess of the mystic Noms. 

Ill 
" Erda, thou holy one, to whom all things 
In heaven and earth are known, to whom the Past, 
The Present and the Future are as one, 
(For hast thou not been chosen by the Norns 
Their vicar here below ?) thee I beseech 
To grant me now foreknowledge of the fate 
Which doth await me. By misgivings vague 
Depressed, my spirit fain would hear thy voice. 
Far wandering from the haunts of men by night 
My feet have sought thy sanctuary. What ill 
Knocks at my door? Is it some peril weird, 
Such as in days gone by my soul hath faced 



156 SIGURD 

Unshrinking, nay, with a wild joy? Or is't 

The inevitable hour which comes to all ? 

The stroke of doom? The thing which men call 

death. 
Hear me, thou holy one, and grant my prayer I " 

IV 
He ceased and on the cavern's floor remained, 
Kneeling, all motionless. Then far within 
The sanctuary a light celestial dawned 
And, in its midst, before the warrior's eyes, 
Appeared, like goddess by an aureole bright 
Enveloped, Erda. Beautiful her face 
But sad ; black as the raven's wing her hair ; 
Her mien majestic ; her tall figure robed 
In samite white, with golden cincture girt. 
As in all ages of the world hath been 
The sibyl's mystic answer, (that of her 
Of Samos, who the Trojan war foretold ; 
Or her of Cumae, whom ^neas sought, 
Foreteller of the rise and fall of Rome) 
E'en such was Erda's now, as she foretold 
The death of Sigurd, and to him declared 
The future glories of the Scandian race ; 
E'en such was Erda's answer now : — A voice 



ERDA'S PROPHECY 157 

Prophetic echoing in the halls of time : 

A message from the realms beyond the veil ; 

Immortal purposes to mortal man 

Revealed. Thus, then, the mystic sibyl spoke. 

V 
" Sigurd, thy earthly end draws near ; ere rise 
The suns of many days above the Rhine, 
Upborne to high Valhalla wilt thou be 
By valkyrs fair — a warrior's obsequies. 
Sigmund, thy father, and thy mother, sweet 
Siglinda, there await thee ; and Gudrun, 
Thy wife beloved, soon will thee rejoin. 
Thus, sitting by the ash-tree, speak the Norns." 

VI 

A space the sibyl paused, and then went on. 

VII 

" Aye, Sigurd, thou must die ; but glory waits 
Thy race. Into the world's arena now, 
Fresh from his eyrie in the Scandian hills, 
Descends the Northman. His the mind robust. 
Clear as the wind-swept sky ; the body his 
At home with Nature, whatsoe'er her mood. 



158 SIGURD 

To sun and storm, to cold and heat inured. 

Born on the mountains, on the ocean bred, 

He knows not luxury's all-encumbering chains — 

Silken without, but links of steel beneath. 

Fain, like the eagle, would he roam for aye. 

And toward the Southland his adventurous flight 

He turns. There Rome aweary sits. Her heart 

No more ambition fires : no more her brain 

Plans conquests vast ; her erstwhile puissant arm 

Droops by her side, and all unheeded hangs 

That sword the godlike JuHus once did wield. 

Years weigh her Titan spirit down, for states, 

Like men, grow old, and with Rome's years have 

come 
Vast riches, ease luxurious, the command 
Of all things upon earth. Is't strange her sons. 
Once rugged, now degenerate grown, esteem 
As useless toil the storm and stress of war ? 
New blood the world doth need, for the world's work 
Strong hands, stout hearts demands, and he who 

rules 
This world, the wise All-Father, and doth see 
Each century's wants, hath picked from the far north 
Rome's heir. The Norseman takes the Roman's 

place. 



ERDA'S PROPHECY 159 

The sceptre to a younger race descends, 
Though masterful as were the men of Rome. 
Behold ! As flow the torrents from the hills, 
What time bright Spring unlocks the winter's clasp, 
So from their Scandian homes, unceasing, flow 
The hardy Northmen o'er the Roman lands 
And, like a vivifying flood, restore 
Youth to a world effete. They come ! They come ! 
Out of the dark northeast, from Sweden's shores. 
From Norway's fiords, from Denmark's wind-swept 

dunes, 
One people called by many names, one race 
Of ocean-warriors, golden-haired they come ! 
Methinks as in a dream I see them now. 
With tossing prows far out at sea beheld, 
With spears and helmets through the ocean mists 
Flashing, they come ; unheralded ; with dread 
Watched by those spirits pusillanimous 
Whose purblind eyes see not in these fierce foes 
Heaven's chosen seed, the saviours of the land. 
Wild giants they, wet with the salt sea-foam, 
But in their lives the primal virtues shine — 
Strength, courage, justice, boundless energy. 
Truth-telling, love of home, contempt of death. 
High wisdom, and all else that makes the man — 



i6o SIGURD 

And through them is old Europe born again. 
As comes the spring-time back to earth, so comes 
Once more the age heroic back to men. 
The figure of a Norseman, spear in hand, 
Crown'd with his winged helmet, eagle-like 
Roaming, in dragon-ship, the ocean, looms 
Above the world's horizon : I behold, 
Comrades in fame, thy vikings range themselves 
Beside the stalwart shapes that founded Rome, 
And hero-hosts Hellenic ; and in thee, 
Sigurd, though briefer was thy life than theirs, 
Ulysses and ^neas live again. 

VIII 
" But see ! E'en now, on Britain's stormy shores, 
Hengist and Horsa, with their sea-tost hosts. 
Land, and great England, Rome's predestined 

heir, 
Begins her conquering march. As, in a gale, 
A mighty tidal wave, holp by the winds, 
Breaks on some isle, and overwhelms the land. 
All things submerging ; so, on Britain's isle. 
The viking tide, in waves successive, breaks, 
And overflows the land ; o'erflows save where. 
In west and north, the mountain fastnesses 



ERDA'S PROPHECY i6i 

Of Wales and Caledonia lift their towers. 

Angles, Jutes, Saxons, Norsemen, Swedes, Goths, 

Danes, 
One people called by many names, one race 
Of ocean-warriors, golden-haired, they come. 
A thousand years before me stretch — I see 
The wild beginnings of a nation ; all 
The ferment which precedes the ordered state : 
The clash of rival clans : the jars and wars 
Of petty kingdoms, jealous of their rights : 
The inevitable struggles manifold 
Which leave the fittest master. I behold 
Strong kings contending for the land : the hosts 
Of Arthur against Saxon Cerdic hurled : 
The life-long wars of Alfred with the Danes : 
The battle fierce of Brunanburgh, where strove 
From morn till night, Olaf and Athelstan ; 
The victories of the great Canute : and last, 
The triumph epochal, on Senlac Hill, 
Of Norman William, greatest of them all, 
Scion of Rollo's ocean-cradled race. 
I see, slow-rising through the years, like tower 
Broad-based with glittering tops which seek the 

sky, 
England, a realm by sea-kings' swords upbuilt. 



i62 SIGURD 

If thou wouldst know the soul of this fair isle, 

The well-spring of her spirit bright, behold, 

In the far north, the sources of her life ! 

Thy north, my Sigurd 1 See the choicest sons 

Of those gray coasts begirt by boreal sea, 

Their mother-lands forsaking, give their strength. 

Bequeath their spirits venturesome and brave, 

To England, in whose veins, compounded, live 

Angle, Jute, Saxon, Norman, Swede and Dane. 

Aye, of the North's best blood is England born ! 

A valkyr beautiful, methinks, she stands, 

Leaning upon her spear ; her golden locks 

Crown'd by the winged helmet — Odin's child ! 

In her the viking spirit lives for aye ! 

In her wild Scandia flowers ! Thy soul and hers, 

Sigurd, are one ! By her thy youthful dream, 

To wander like some great- wing' d ocean-bird. 

Petrel or gull or tireless albatross, 

Ever and ever upon the dark blue sea — 

By her this viking dream, though lost to thee. 

Shall be fulfilled ! In her thy race shall rise 

To heights majestic, and men now unborn. 

Back looking through the centuries, shall behold, 

In history's sky, great England shining bright 

(Twin orbs of light) beside imperial Rome !" 



ERDA'S PROPHECY 163 

IX 

The sibyl ceased, and though for further speech 
Sigurd, with eager utterance, her besought. 
She disappeared within the cavern's depths. 



XV 
THE DEATH OF SIGURD 

I 
Beyond the Rhine, east of its silvery stream, 
Between the Neckar and the Main outstretched, 
A mighty forest lies — the Odenwald. 
Leagues north and south, leagues east and west ex- 
tends 
This ancient wood, upon the sloping sides 
Of mountains lifted, or outspread in vales 
Innumerable. A rugged tract it is 
Of primal forest rooted in the rocks 
Of earlier ages : a vast wilderness 
Of woods and peaks, deep glens and sunny glades, 
Of grass-grown summits and pellucid streams. 
Here range at will the creatures of the wild — 
The bear, the wolf, the deer, the fox, the boar. 
Here, them to slaughter, man, the hunter, comes. 

II 

What time the summer morn in beauty breaks. 

And sing the early birds from many a bough, 

164 



THE DEATH OF SIGURD 165 

Rose Sigurd from his couch beside Gudrun, 
And for the chase began to make prepare. 
For he, that day, deep in the Odenwald 
Would hunt, with Hagen and the brothers twain, 
Gemot and Giselher, So betimes he rose. 



Ill 
Now as, accoutered for the chase, he stood 
Within their chamber, suddenly to his side, 
A wave of radiant beauty, swept Gudrun, 
And round his puissant shoulders her white arms 
Threw, and her lily face, so passing fair. 
To him uplifted, and, with troubled voice 
Beseeching him, tears in her eyes, thus spoke. 

IV 
" O go not to the chase to-day 1 Last night 
Dread dreams affrighted me. I saw thee fall. 
Deep in the Odenwald, by two fierce boars 
Assailed. Thee on the sward lifeless I saw, 
Thy heart's blood dyeing red the forest's green. 
O go not to the chase, to-day, dear lord ! 
Something knocks at the portals of my life 
And tells me I shall never see thee more ! " 



i66 SIGURD 

V 

So saying, on her husband's breast she laid 
Her golden head, and wept, and tightly wound 
About his neck her alabastrine arms. 

VI 
Then Sigurd thus : " Something me also warns. 
Something doth tell me evil lurks ahead. 
But if 'tis fate's decree that I should die, 
If 'tis permitted by the mighty Norns, 
What use for me, the creature of a day, 
To seek to avert the blow, to dodge my doom ? 
What comes will come. None can his weird escape. 
And who can tell ? Perchance my mood is naught — 
A passing cloudlet which upon my soul. 
But for a moment, doth its shadow cast ? 
Perchance thy dream nothing doth signify ? 
If so, why like a coward should I shrink 
From fancied perils ? Better 'tis to live 
Free from the bonds of fear, and when the time 
Comes to depart, as fearlessly to go. 
Than of that last, inevitable hour 
Always to stand in dread. Better it is 
To die once only, not a thousand times. 
Nay, dearest, let us put aside thy dreams, 



THE DEATH OF SIGURD 167 

My sad forebodings. See ! The summer sun 
Bathes all the landscape, and the beauteous Rhine 
Winds like a golden road beneath its light ! 
Soon o'er those waters swift we'll make our way, 
And then, ho ! for the merry greenwood tree ! " 

VII 
He ceased and, clasping close between his hands 
Her lily face, kissed tenderly and oft, 
As is the wont of lovers, those sweet lips. 
Now tremulous with sad solicitude. 
Then to the spacious palace grounds the twain 
Descended, she aye clinging to his side, 
(Her heart in secret weeping,) and there found 
Gemot and Giselher, and the gloomy knight, 
Hagen, accoutered all for the day's chase. 
Gunter alone was absent, state affairs 
His excusation, but his haughty queen 
Showed at her casement like a dark-stoled nun 
Gazing upon some scene of revelry. 
And when their fast they'd broken and good-byes 
Said the impatient sportsmen toward the Rhine 
Strode off, and soon were rowed across its stream. 
Steeds them awaited on the other side, 
And hounds and huntsmen at the Odenwald. 



i68 SIGURD 

VIII 

Now when, at last, the great plain of the Rhine 
Was left behind them, and the forest's depths 
They entered, gay the scene which met their eyes. 
Here was the meet : here many a gallant hound 
Impatient waited, many a forester 
In wood-craft wise. Then spoke, with gestures 

droll, 
A grizzly-bearded huntsman : this his tale. 
He in the wood had harbored a wild boar. 
An ancient solitary. Back and forth. 
From feed to lair, from lair to feed again. 
With help of hound sagacious, sure of scent, 
He'd slotted him. A monster huge he was, 
Vast as a bear, with tusks most terrible, 
Fierce as the ancient sanglier ever is. 
" Aye, even as I slotted him he turned," 
So quoth the graybeard forester, " and drove 
Me and my limehound from his leafy lair. 
But safely is he harbored now, and I 
Can put the hounds upon him easily." 

IX 
Then gayly Giselher wound his hunting horn, 
And straightway he and Hagen to the spot 



THE DEATH OF SIGURD 169 

Rode where the ancient sangHer lay concealed, 
And with them went the huntsmen and the hounds : 
And to a sunny glade some distance off 
Rode Sigurd and young Gemot, there to wait 
The boar when he broke covert : and ere long 
Came to their ears, borne down the wind, a blast 
Triumphal, through the greenwood echoing shrill — 
The horn of Hagen, telling that the hounds 
Had roused their quarry and the hunt was on. 

X 

Now toward the open space where Sigurd sat 
And Gemot on their steeds the distant cry 
Seemed moving and with ready spear the twain 
Waited expectant. Nearer came the cry. 
Then suddenly they beheld, far down the glade, 
Swift running as a race-horse toward his goal, 
The ancient solitary who, in a trice, 
Turned and within the greenwood disappeared. 
Too thick for horse the tangled forest here ; 
And Sigurd, from his steed dismounting, bound 
Bridle to tree and, winding his great horn 
For signal, plunged on foot into the wood. 
Gemot him followed ; and the dark-browed knight, 
Hagen, soon coming up, with Giselher, both 



I70 SIGURD 

Quickly discarded horse and sought on foot 
To pierce the tangled thickets of the wood — 
By baying hounds preceded and a throng 
Of huntsmen followed, hurrying at their heels 

XI 
But well the ancient solitary ran — 
Swiftly and wisely — and right valiantly 
He fought too, when occasion called, that day. 
For thrice, when brought to bay by furious hounds, 
He charged on his pursuers and or slew 
Or maimed them, and three times he got away, 
And the third time he made good his escape 
And, all unspeared, with spirit stout, regained 
His haunts beneath the merry greenwood tree. 

XII 

And in the afternoon to a deep glen 
Through which, with soothing purl, a brooklet ran, 
Came Sigurd, wearied with the fruitless chase. 
And wandering through the interminable wood. 
And up against a linden tree his spear 
He leaned, and for a pillow took his cloak. 
And on the green moss of the wood lay down. 
And, though against his will, soft-fingered sleep 
Soon closed his eyes. So wearied out was he. 



THE DEATH OF SIGURD 171 

XIII 

And while he slept came also to the glen 
(By cruel fate inexorable led) 
Hagen and Giselher and, with startled eyes, 
Beheld their quarry. Thus then Hagen spoke : 

XIV 

" Lost is the boar, but nobler game is here I 

Behold the son of Sigmund where he lies 

All unaccoutered, forage for our spears ! 

What sayst thou, shall we slay him as he sleeps ? " 

XV 
Then Giselher : " I have heard that sharpest steel 
Pierces him not : that by the dragon's blood 
Invulnerable made, he laughs at spears." 

XVI 

To him then Hagen. " Aye, the tale is true. 
When the black blood of Fafnir covered him, 
What time he crouched within the narrow pit 
And, with an upward thrust, the dragon's hide 
Pierced, and his sword went onward to the heart, 
Forthwith invulnerable he became. 
Yet, ne'ertheless, I'll wager my good spear, 
Dragvandil, could right quickly finish him. 



172 SIGURD 

However, to our story let's return. 

One spot alone is human. In one place 

Only can enter the death-dealing dart. 

Betwixt his shoulders had a linden leaf 

Fallen, while in the narrow pit he stood, 

Waiting, and when the blood of Fafnir bathed 

Head, limbs and trunk, the spot where lay the leaf, 

Alone of all his frame, remained untouched. 

This from Gudrun, in confidence, I heard ; 

Who on his kirtle hath a linden leaf. 

Masked in a quaint design of branch and twig, 

Embroidered, covering the spot exact ; 

She in her innocence beseeching me 

To guard that spot as it were my own heart. 

Thus foolish, Giselher, are all womankind. 

But let us to our task. Ha ! He awakes." 

XVII 

"Ho! Hagen! Giselher 1 You here? Have I 

slept?" 
Thus Sigurd, rising from his mossy couch. 
'•An empty chase we've had, in truth ! Right well 
Our foe, the ancient sanglier, played his game. 
But see how cool yon rivulet which runs 
Adown the dusky glen ! How crystal clear 



THE DEATH OF SIGURD 173 

It sparkles ! Like a merry mountain nymph 
Methinks it is, and like her laughter gay 
Its rippling voice doth call me. Thirsty am I, 
And from those waters sweet fain would I drink." 

XVIII 

So saying, toward the brook he strode and knelt 

Upon its sandy border with intent 

To quaff from the cool wave unmeasured draughts ; 

Which seeing, Hagen, with a stealthy step 

(While Giselher stood a partner to the deed) 

Came up behind and, lifting high in air 

His spear, and crying, " Strike home, Dragvandil ! " 

drave 
Betwixt his victim's shoulders the bright steel. 
Swift through the broidered linden leaf it made 
Its fatal way, seeking the hero's heart. 
Alas ! What grievous wound hath Sigurd now ? 
No word he uttered, only a deep groan 
Of purest anguish, as upon the sand, 
Bleeding, he sank. Then straight his spirit rose 
From that rent body to Valhalla's halls. 
So, by the hand of murderer base — a deed 
Savage and senseless, born of envy — died 
The son of Sigmund, noblest of mankind. 



174 SIGURD 

XIX 
Now as beside the rivulet the corse 
Of Sigurd lay, all bathed in precious blood, 
Into that place of death young Gemot came. 
He, like the others, through the wood had sought, 
Vainly, the ancient sanglier, and this glen 
Chancing upon he entered and beheld, 
At first with eyes which comprehended not. 
The corse of Sigurd and, standing near by, 
Grasping within his hand a blood-stained spear, 
The giant form of Hagen. Demon like 
The murderer gazed upon his victim. Then 
Flashed on the soul of Gemot the dread truth, 
And, striding toward the dark-browed knight, he 

raised 
His spear as if to strike him. " Devil ! " he cried, 
"What hast thou done?" But flinched the other 

not. 
" The false seducer of thy brother's wife 
I slew." Thus Hagen. " Fitter had it been 
If thou, thyself, had done it, but the deed 
On me devolved." " Thou liest ! " Gemot cried, 
" I know the wretched tale. Baseless it is. 
And minded am I at this minute to strike 
Thee dead beside thy victim. But what good ? 



THE DEATH OF SIGURD 175 

Sigurd is gone. His light hath left this world. 
And though a thousand Hagens spilled their 

blood, 
It would not bring him back again. Alas ! 
Alas 1 Alas ! That such a dastard deed 
Should be permitted by the righteous heavens I " 



XX 
He ceased and, by the body of his friend 
Kneeling, to staunch the crimson current strove ; 
Then bathed with water from the brook the face 
And hands of the pale corse (still warm with life 
But growing cold in death) and o'er the face 
Spread gently a blue cloak, and laid the limbs 
Orderly, and in every manner sought 
To make less terrible the ghastly sight. 
While to the dead these gentle offices 
He tendered, with a soft as woman's touch, 
Tears uncontrollable suffused his eyes. 
But ruthless stood the two conspirators. 
Cold as those others who, in Roman halls, 
(What time their hands had dragged the eagle 

down) 
Watched, all unmoved, the murdered Julius die. 



176 SIGURD 

XXI 
Now from the wood the sounds of hunting horns, 
Nearer approaching, came ; and Giselher, them 
Noting, a blast responsive blew, and soon 
Appeared within the dusky glen a group 
Of huntsmen, glad their masters to rejoin. 
To whom then Giselher thus : " A dreadful thing. 
My men, hath happened. Through the forest's 

depths 
Seeking the solitary boar, we three, 
My brother Gemot, Hagen and myself. 
Chanced on this gloomy glen, and here, beside 
Yon streamlet lying, as ye see him now, 
Earl Sigurd found. Covered he was with blood, 
Which from a great wound in his body flowed. 
Almost his breath had ceased. Quickly we strove 
To staunch the crimson current and to bring 
His spirit back to earth. But 'twas in vain. 
Methinks the boar, catching him unawares. 
Hath charged upon him and its mighty tusks 
Driven into his heart. Perchance he slept, 
O'ercome by the long chase, and in his sleep 
The sanglier found and slew him. Who can tell ? 
One duty have we now. One thing alone 
Remains to do. To bear the pallid corse 



THE DEATH OF SIGURD 177 

Back to his wife — our sister. From this wood 
Our arms shall sadly carry him, and thence 
A wain shall bear his body to the Rhine." 

XXII 
So to the foresters the second son 
Of old King Dancrat spake, with solemn mien 
Dexterously dissembling ; and forthwith 
A litter of stout beechen boughs they made. 
And on it placed, wrapped in his cloak of blue, 
The corse of Sigurd, and two foresters, 
One at his head, one at his feet, him bore 
From out the wood, preceded by the rest 
Marching with mournful tread, and followed slow 
By the two royal brothers and that knight 
Whose name henceforth, through cycles long of 

time, 
The stain of this base murder was to bear. 



XVI 
BESIDE THE RHINE 

I 

Now on the banks of Rhine a funeral pyre 

Did Sigurd's vikings rear, and on it placed — 

Robed in rich garb, and wearing winged helm 

And byrnie bright, as if for battle drest — 

The body of their chief ; and by his side 

His sword they would have laid, that wondrous 

brand 
Which Odin from Valhalla's halls had brought 
To Volsing's son and later Regin's skill. 
Welding the mystic shards, had forged anew ; 
But them Gudrun besought with flowing tears 
To grant it her, last relic of her lord ; 
So into her fair hands was Gram bestowed. 

II 

For when the pyre was ready and from out 

Gudrun's dark bower the silent Scandians bore 

The corse of Sigurd Jarl, them close behind, 

A black-veiled, faltering figure, came Gudrun, 

178 



BESIDE THE RHINE 179 

Followed by weeping damsels of her bower. 

And came also unto the banks of Rhine 

The king, begirt with knights ; and the pale queen, 

Brynhild, the valkyr, by her damosels 

Attended ; and the brothers of the king, 

Giselher and Gemot ; and that warrior grim, 

Hagen yclept, of evil all compact. 

The ruthless instrument of cruel fate. 

And likewise came a motley multitude 

Of divers sorts, soldiers and citizens. 

Rough farmers with their wives and progeny, 

And lads and lassies in life's April still. 

All flocking to the banks of Father Rhine, 

There to behold the Norseman's obsequies. 

And when beside the flood his vikings laid 

Their chieftain's body, ere upon the pyre 

They placed it and the funeral flame applied, 

Forth glided from among her maids Gudrun, 

And by the bier, like a swift-moving wraith. 

Sank down, and round the lifeless body claspt 

Her beauteous arms, as if she wildly sought 

To summon back, by love importunate. 

Into that broken vessel cold, erstwhile 

Its dwelling place, her lord's departed ghost. 

And thus, beside the bier, burst forth Gudrun. 



i8o SIGURD 

III 
" Dark, dark my life ! What now to me is earth ? 
What now the beauteous Rhine, upon whose banks 
While love sang in the tree-tops, once we walked? 
Thrice poignant is my pain as on each spot 
Made sacred by our happiness I gaze ! 
Here once was mine joy inexpressible ! 
Here now, alas, with anguish bleeds my heart 1 
Woe lays on me his heavy hand and Grief 
Invests my spirit with his inky pall. 
Gone, gone my love 1 Gone, gone earth's noblest 

soul 1 
Fair font from which life-giving draughts I drank I 
Gone are those eyes which lit for me the world ! 
That voice whose music did my heart enthrall ! 
Those lips from which sweet sustenance I drew I 
Gone is my mate — within whose arms was heaven — • 
My other half. For like a noble tree 
We grew, one substance, till an angry bolt 
Of lightning rent our wedded life in twain ; 
And on the ground he lies, blackened and dead, 
And I, the other half, live on alone, 
Yet scarcely live, a mutilated shape, 
Standing upon the melancholy wold. 
To bear my cruel scars until the end." 



BESIDE THE RHINE i8i 

IV 
She ceased and, kneeling still beside the bier, 
Kissed o'er and o'er again the lifeless lips 
Of that which was her loving husband once — 
The pallid clay where once the spirit dwelt. 
Then on his bosom, weeping, bowed her head. 
And o'er the bier her tresses, loosed in woe, 
Swept like a golden coverlet to the ground. 

V 

Then from the Norsemen's midst a figure tall 
Of noble aspect, helmeted, and drest 
In raiment rich, befitting his high rank. 
Strode slowly forth, and stood before the king — 
Hakon the son of Halfdan, of the Bear 
The captain, and the warrior upon whom, 
Earl Sigurd being dead, command devolved. 
And thus, while on his every accent hung 
The vast assemblage, Gunter he addressed. 

VI 

" Sad are our hearts, O King I Us have the Norns 
A blow o'erpowering dealt. And though, like men, 
We strive to bear the buffetings of Fate, 
Yet like this weeping widow's is our woe. 
Sigurd is dead ! Slain is the blameless one 1 



i82 SIGURD 

The noble son of Sigmund is no more ! 

The flower of all the North has passed away 1 

VII 
** Strange doth it seem to us who knew him well 
That he could have an enemy, that in all 
This world of men lived one who loved him not. 
And yet it must be so. His gaping wound 
Promulgates unto all the dreadful truth. 
Foul murder hath been done. By hand of man 
He fell, and not by tusk of the wild boar. 
By dastard spear and not in honest strife. 
But to the perpetrator of this crime 
We hold no clue. If 'twere not so, if we 
Could name the assassin, swiftly should his blood 
Atonement make ; e'en though each one of us 
Thereafter died, all falling where we fought. 

VIII 

" Yet thee. King Gunter, do we guildess hold ; 
Knowing that thou didst love him like ourselves ; 
Knowing that on thy spirit sorrow sits, 
As on the souls of each of us, a bird 
Gigantic, shutting out the air and light ; 
Knowing that thou wilt mourn him till the end. 



BESIDE THE RHINE 183 

IX 
" Farewell ! When we to his beloved corse 
Have paid our final homage, and the rites 
Ordained by the Immortals have performed, 
And in the flame hath vanished his dear clay, 
Down the swift Rhine, from out thy realm, O King, 
We'll pass, and thou shalt see us never more. 
Back to our Northland ocean-haunted, back 
To that gray Scandia whence we came, we'll go. 
Aye, homesick is my heart I Farewell, farewell ! " 

X 

He ceased and, from the presence of the king 

Withdrawing, joined once more his mariners, 

Bidding them place the body on the pyre. 

Then was it that Gudrun the chief besought 

To grant her Gram, last relic of her lord, 

That wondrous brand which Odin once had grasped. 

So into her fair hands was Gram bestowed. 

XI 

Now when upon the lofty pyre was laid 
The corse of Sigurd, ere the funeral flame. 
Which changeth clay to ashes, had been lit, 
Forth from her ladies came, with stately step. 



i84 SIGURD 

(While wonderment the vast assemblage held) 
Brynhild the valkyr, Gunter's haughty queen, 
And standing by the fateful pyre thus spoke : 

XII 
" Hakon, thy words are wise. Like thine my heart 
Homesick doth languish. As an eagle caged 
Doth ever of the boundless mountains dream, 
So dream I ever of my valkyr days. 
Life here to me is naught : aye, worse than naught 
As to that captive eagle, though his cage 
Be golden, death doth come as a release. 
So to my soul comes death a sweet release. 
When, freed from earthly bonds, my happy ghost 
Hath risen to Valhalla, there these eyes 
My father Odin shall behold once more. 
There waits he me. There, as in bygone days, 
His loving arms shall fold me to his breast. 
My fault forgiven. Expiation done." 

XIII 
She ceased and, with uplifted countenance, 
Gazed at the heavens for a little space, 
As though her eyes beheld, in that blue dome, 
The figure of her father, Odin great, 



BESIDE THE RHINE 185 

Standing as in the lonely isle he stood, 
What time with waving spear and magic rune 
(While in his heart reigned grief ineffable) 
He wove the spell about her and the flames 
Commanded to protect her from all harm. 
Thus for a little time the valkyr stood. 
Then, while the multitude looked on with awe, 
And in amaze stood Gunter and his court, 
The lofty pyre she mounted and, beside 
The corse of Sigurd kneeling, swiftly drove 
A diamond-hilted dagger to her heart. 

XIV 
Thus passed from earth into Valhallan air 
Brynhild, that daughter whom the god supreme 
Above all others loved. A glorious soul 
Clothed in the beauty of the starry night. 

XV 

And side by side upon the lofty pyre 
This noble twain the bearded Norsemen laid — 
Sigurd and Brynhild ; and Earl Hakon bade 
The logs be lighted, and a mighty flame. 
Fanned by the wind, sprang up, and in the flame 
Swiftly their mortal bodies were consumed. 



.AUG 30 im 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



